Fault detection in asynchronous sequential circuits

As the asynchronous sequential circuit has become more and more important to digital systems in recent years high reliability and simple maintenance of the circuit is stressed. This paper presents a fault-detection algorithm which will be applicable to most of the practical asynchronous sequential circuits. The asynchronous sequential circuit is treated from the combinatoric point of view. First the minimal set of states, both stable states and unstable states, sufficient to detect all possible faults of the circuit is found from the fault table. Then a test sequence is generated to go through these states. It is assumed that testing outputs can be added. Simple and systematic techniques are also presented for the construction of fault table and the generation of test sequence. The usefulness of this algorithm increases as the density of the stable states associated with the circuit increases --Abstract, page ii

Dynamic Adaptive Computation: Tuning network states to task requirements

Neural circuits are able to perform computations under very diverse conditions and requirements. The required computations impose clear constraints on their fine-tuning: a rapid and maximally informative response to stimuli in general requires decorrelated baseline neural activity. Such network dynamics is known as asynchronous-irregular. In contrast, spatio-temporal integration of information requires maintenance and transfer of stimulus information over extended time periods. This can be realized at criticality, a phase transition where correlations, sensitivity and integration time diverge. Being able to flexibly switch, or even combine the above properties in a task-dependent manner would present a clear functional advantage. We propose that cortex operates in a "reverberating regime" because it is particularly favorable for ready adaptation of computational properties to context and task. This reverberating regime enables cortical networks to interpolate between the asynchronous-irregular and the critical state by small changes in effective synaptic strength or excitation-inhibition ratio. These changes directly adapt computational properties, including sensitivity, amplification, integration time and correlation length within the local network. We review recent converging evidence that cortex in vivo operates in the reverberating regime, and that various cortical areas have adapted their integration times to processing requirements. In addition, we propose that neuromodulation enables a fine-tuning of the network, so that local circuits can either decorrelate or integrate, and quench or maintain their input depending on task. We argue that this task-dependent tuning, which we call "dynamic adaptive computation", presents a central organization principle of cortical networks and discuss first experimental evidence.Comment: 6 pages + references, 2 figure

Stochastic and adaptive systems : interim report

Includes bibliographical references.Research supported by Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFSC), Research Grant AFOSR 77-3281. Covers time period, March 1, 1977 to February 28, 1978.by Michael Athans and Sanjoy K. Mitter

A final report of research on stochastic and adaptive systems under grant AFOSR 77-3281B for the period February 1, 1978 to January 31, 1979

Final report"March 1979."Bibliography: p. 17-19.Grant AFOSR-77-3281Bby Michael Athans and Sanjoy K. Mitter

A Typology of Virtual Teams: Implications for Effective Leadership

As the nature of work in today\u27s organizations becomes more complex, dynamic, and global, there has been an increasing emphasis on far-flung, distributed, virtual teams as organizing units of work. Despite their growing prevalence, relatively little is known about this new form of work unit. The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical framework to focus research toward understanding virtual teams and, in particular, to identify implications for effective leadership. Specifically, we focus on delineating the dimensions of a typology to characterize different types of virtual teams. First, we distinguish virtual teams from conventional teams to identify where current knowledge applies and new research needs to be developed. Second, we distinguish among different types of virtual teams, considering the critical role of task complexity in determining the underlying characteristics of virtual teams and leadership challenges the different types entail. Propositions addressing leadership implications for the effective management of virtual teams are proposed and discussed

Real-time interactive speech technology at Threshold Technology, Incorporated

Basic real-time isolated-word recognition techniques are reviewed. Industrial applications of voice technology are described in chronological order of their development. Future research efforts are also discussed