Specifications

Chapter 3 Hardware
52 Reference Manual ReadyBoard 800
Serial Console Setup
The serial console 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 (J15A), and the serial
terminal or a PC with communications software. The BIOS Setup Utility controls the serial console
settings on the ReadyBoard 800. Refer to Chapter 4, BIOS Setup to set the serial console option, using
a serial terminal, or PC with communications software.
Hot (Serial) Cable
To convert a standard serial cable to a Hot Cable, certain pins must be shorted together at the Serial port
connector or on the DB9 connector. For example, short the RTS (7) and RI (9) on the respective DB9
port connector as shown in Figure 3-3.
RB800_hotcablea
Standard DB9 Serial
Port Connector (Female)
Rear View
543 21
9876
Figure 3-3. Hot Cable Jumper
Watchdog Timer (WDT)
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, 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 operating system fails to boot in the time interval set in the
BIOS, the system will reset.
Enable the WDT in the Advanced BIOS Features of BIOS Setup. Set the WDT for a time-out
interval in seconds, between 2 and 255, in one second increments. Ensure you allow enough time
for the operating system (OS) to boot. The OS or application must tickle (turnoff) 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 Ampro Board Support Packages provide an API interface
to the WDT. The application must tickle (turnoff) the WDT before the timer expires or the system
will be reset. The BIOS implements interrupt 15 function 0C3h to manipulate the WDT.
• Watchdog Code examples – Ampro has provided source code examples on the ReadyBoard 800
Doc & SW CD-ROM 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 Miscellaneous Source Code
Examples subdirectory, under the ReadyBoard 800 Software menu on the ReadyBoard 800 Doc
& SW CD-ROM.