Embedded development: tools -- intelligent watchdog design

　　　 Intelligent watchdog is a customizable external watchdog solution , Its behavior is similar to monitoring the processor , The difference is that its main purpose is to detect the time of failure and power on the microcontroller . Here's a simple example , It shows how embedded developers can integrate intelligent watchdog into the project :

　　

 

　　 Intelligent watchdog provides many customizable functions , Developers can use these functions to improve the robustness of embedded systems . for example , Developers can include

　　l Heartbeat generated by microcontroller application and monitored by intelligent watchdog (HB). If the heartbeat disappears or the frequency changes beyond the predetermined parameters , Then there must be something wrong !

　　l When a problem is detected , It can be connected to intelligent watchdog , Power up the microcontroller again .

　　l Intelligent watchdog can be used to monitor external communication channels , For example, connect to the radio UART. The silent microcontroller can trigger corrective actions to restore the system .

　　l Because the watchdog may be monitoring communications , Therefore, it can provide special fire Code , It is used to remotely command the intelligent watchdog to restart the system or perform other diagnostic functions .

　　l The external watchdog can be used as a monitoring processor , Communicate directly with the microcontroller , To verify that everything is normal .

　　 Intelligent watchdog can add new complexity to embedded systems , But for the need for stability 、 For an embedded development system that detects errors and recovers itself , They play an important design role in many different industries .