ADLINK Express-CBR - Manual (Page 36)

Chapter 3 Hardware
32 Reference Manual Express-CBR
Watchdog Timer
The Watchdog Timer (WDT) restarts the system if a mishap occurs, ensuring proper start-up after the
interruption. Possible problems include failure to boot properly, the application software’s loss of control,
failure of an interface device, unexpected conditions on the bus, or other hardware or software malfunctions.
Use the ADLINK Intelligent Device Interface (AIDI) Library to configure the WDT interface. AIDI driver
information is available on the Express-CBR Product page at: http://www.adlinktech.com . An AIDI demo
program and the AIDI User’s Manual showing how to use the WDT function also reside in the Utilities area
of the Express-CBR Product page.
The WDT (Watchdog Timer) can be used both during the boot process and during normal system operation.
• During the Boot process – If the OS fails to boot in the time interval set in the BIOS, the system will
reset.
Enable the WDT in the Custom Configuration Screen of BIOS Setup. Set the WDT for a time-out
interval in seconds, between 1 and 255, in one second increments. Ensure you allow enough time for the
boot process to complete and for the OS to boot. The OS or application must tickle the WDT as soon as
it comes up. This can be done by accessing the hardware directly or through a BIOS call.
• During System Operation – The user can set up the WDT hardware through a BIOS call or by accessing
the hardware directly using the AIDI Library. The BIOS call must tickle the WDT in the time set when
the WDT is initialized or the system will be reset.
The BIOS implements interrupt 15 function 0C3h to manipulate the WDT.
• Watchdog Code example – ADLINK provides a source code example (AIDI demo program) on the
Express-CBR Product page of the web site illustrating how to control the WDT. The code example can
be easily copied to your development environment to compile and test or make any desired changes
before compiling.
TPM (Trusted Platform Module [Optional])
The Express-CBR provides an optional hardware chip called a Trusted Platform Module which is dedicated
for security functions. Trusted Computing is an industry standard created for personal computer security.
The BIOS allows you to enable or disable the TPM.
CPU Temperature Monitor
The processor core of the Intel Core i7 provides a Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS), which detects the
instantaneous temperature of the processor core. When the DTS detects a processor core temperature that
exceeds the core’s specified temperature limit, the core’s power consumption is reduced until its temperature
returns to below its specified limit. The AIDI Library provides simple APIs at the application level to
support this function when CPU temperature levels exceed the upper or lower limits set by the user. AIDI
driver information for the Express-CBR is available on the Express-CBR Product page at:
http://www.adlinktech.com . An AIDI demo program and the AIDI User’s Manual showing how to use the
Temperature Monitor also reside in the Utilities area of the Express-CBR Product page.