Chapter 3 Hardware
42 Reference Manual CoreModule 420
Serial Console BIOS Setup
The serial console feature may be invoked by entering the appropriate option (port selected) in the Serial
Console field of the BIOS and Hardware Settings screen in BIOS Setup. A standard null modem serial
cable is used to connect the chosen serial port on the CoreModule 420 (J3 or J9) to a serial terminal or
PC. The serial terminal, or PC with communications software, must be set to the following values:
•115k baud
•8 bits
•One stop bit
•No parity
•No hardware handshake
Hot (Serial) Cable
The serial console settings in the BIOS can be overridden by connecting a modified serial cable (or “Hot
Cable”) between either serial port (J3 or J9) and the serial terminal, or the PC with communications
software, set to the appropriate values outlined above.
To convert a standard serial cable to a Hot Cable, certain pins must be shorted together at the Serial port
connector 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 respective DB9 port
connector as shown in Figure 3-3.

Standard DB9 Serial

Port Connector (Female)

Rear View

5
4
32
1
987
6

Serial Port 1 (J3)

(COM1)

Side View

Or

CM420Oops!jump
Figure 3-3. Hot Cable Jumper
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.
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 BIOS and Hardware Settings 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 (or turnoff) 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 – 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 (or turnoff) the WDT in the time set when the
WDT is initialized or the system will be reset. You can use a BIOS call to tickle the WDT or
access the hardware directly.
The BIOS implements interrupt 15 function 0C3h to manipulate the WDT.