Nios® V Processor: Lockstep Implementation

ID 833274
Date 10/07/2024
Public
Document Table of Contents

6.7.3. UC_03: Timeout on System Reset or After Fault Detection

The fRSmartComp programmable Timeout feature allows the following use cases. Examples of timeout can be found in the previous Use Cases’ flowchart.

Timeout on System Reset Exit

After the asynchronous system reset, a severe alarm (OKNOK) is generated if:

  • System Supervisor does not send timeout acknowledgment to fRSmartComp, or
  • fRSmartComp does not receive timeout acknowledgment from System Supervisor.

Both sender and receiver have to put in a safe state because:

  • Either side might be stuck, or
  • It is unable to operate due to different fault causes.

This scenario adds an additional mechanism to the standard external watchdog, which is not active after the reset, thus improving robustness.

Timeout after Fault Detection

After a fault detection (entering FCS state), a severe alarm (OKNOK) is generated on the expiration of a timeout, indicating that the System Supervisor is unable to access the fRSmartComp anymore.