Remote Access; Remote Access Setup; Hot (Serial) Cable; Watchdog Timer - ADLINK Technology CoreModule 430 Reference Manual

Chapter 3

Remote Access

The CoreModule 430 BIOS supports the remote access (or console redirection) feature. This I/O function is
provided by an ANSI-compatible serial terminal, or the equivalent terminal emulation software running on
another system. This can be very useful when setting up the BIOS on a production line for systems that are
not connected to a keyboard and display.

Remote Access Setup

The remote access feature is implemented by connecting a standard null-modem cable or a modified serial
cable (or "Hot Cable") between one of the serial ports, such as Serial 1 or 2 (J3 or J9), and the serial terminal
or a PC with communications software. The BIOS Setup Utility controls the remote access settings on the
CoreModule 430. Refer to Chapter 4, BIOS Setup for the settings of the remote access option, the serial
terminal, or PC with communications software and the connection procedure.

Hot (Serial) Cable

To convert a standard serial cable to a Hot Cable, specific pins must be shorted together at the Serial port
header or at the DB9 connector. Short together the RTS (4) and RI (8) pins on either serial port (J3 or J9)
header. As an alternate, you can short the equivalent pins (pins 7 and 9) on the back of the respective DB9
port connector as shown in
Serial Port Header
(COM1 or COM2)

Watchdog Timer

The Watchdog Timer (WDT) restarts the system if an error or mishap occurs, allowing the system to recover
from the mishap, even though the error condition may still exist. Possible problems include failure to boot
properly, loss of control by the application software, failure of an interface device, unexpected conditions on
the bus, or other hardware or software malfunctions.
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 Watchdog Timer (sec) field in the Chipset > Southbridge 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 operating system (OS) to boot. The OS or application must tickle (reset) the WDT
before the timer expires. This can be done by accessing the hardware directly or through a BIOS call.
•
During System Operation – An application can set up the WDT hardware through a BIOS call, or by
accessing the hardware directly. Some ADLINK Board Support Packages provide an API to the WDT.
The application must tickle (reset) the WDT before the timer expires or the system will be reset.
•
Watchdog Code examples – ADLINK has provided source code examples on the CoreModule 430
Support Software QuickDrive illustrating how to control the WDT. The code examples can be easily
copied to your development environment to compile and test the examples, or make any desired
changes before compiling. Refer to the WDT Readme file in the Sample Code directory on the
CoreModule 430 Support Software QuickDrive.
30
Figure 3-3.
9 7 5 3 1
Standard DB9 Serial
Or
Port Cable Connector
(Female)
10 8 6
4 2

Figure 3-3. Hot Cable Jumper

Reference Manual
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Rear View
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Hardware
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CoreModule 430