Abstract
Permanently deployed communication devices are susceptible to application processor hangs and crashes. Because these devices operate unattended in restricted locations, manual remediation is difficult and prolonged downtime is experienced. To address this limitation, auxiliary controller circuitry is utilized to provide independent self-remediation. A watchdog function is executed by an embedded controller to monitor heartbeat signals transmitted by the application processor at regular intervals. If a specified number of expected heartbeats fail to be received, a missing heartbeat condition is detected. Parts of the device, or the entire device, are subsequently power-cycled by the embedded controller. The primary purpose of this technology is to automatically restore device operability without relying on the halted processor. The necessity for physical intervention by maintenance staff is eliminated, and device downtime is effectively mitigated.
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Recommended Citation
N/A, "Restoring a communication device to normal operation using an embedded controller watchdog to mitigate processor hangs", Technical Disclosure Commons, ()
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/10489