NSHM KNOWLEDGE CAMPUS, DURGAPUR-GOI

(College Code: 273)

CA1 Assessment

Watchdog Timer (WDT) - An Introduction

Presented By
Student Name: Aniket karmakar
University Roll No.: 27300320004
University Registration No.: 202730100310004
Branch: ECE
Year: 4th
Semester: 7th
Paper Name: EMBEDDED SYSTEM
Paper Code: PE-EC703A
 Contents
•Introduction​
•What is a Watchdog Timer?
•How Does the Watchdog Timer Work?
•Purpose, Configurations, Operation
•Timer Timeout, Reset and Recovery
•Importance in Embedded Systems
•Applications
•Challenges and Considerations
•Conclusion
 Introduction
• Welcome to the presentation on
Watchdog Timer (WDT).
• In this presentation, we will
explore what a Watchdog Timer
is, its purpose, how it works, and
its applications in various
industries.
 What is a Watchdog Timer?
• The Watchdog Timer (WDT) is a hardware component
or a software module that monitors the operation of a
system.
• Its primary purpose is to detect and recover from
malfunctions or system failures.
 How Does the Watchdog Timer Work?
• The Watchdog Timer requires regular "feeding" or
"refreshing" to prevent it from resetting the system.
• When the system is functioning correctly, the Watchdog
Timer is periodically reset.
• If the system becomes unresponsive or experiences a
fault, and the Watchdog Timer is not refreshed, it triggers
a system reset or recovery action.
 Purpose of the Watchdog Timer
The primary purpose of the Watchdog Timer is to
ensure the system's reliability and availability.
It prevents the system from getting stuck in a non-
responsive state, helping to avoid prolonged
downtime.
 Watchdog Timer Configurations
• Watchdog Timers can be
hardware-based, integrated
into microcontrollers or
processors, or implemented as
software-based watchdogs.
• Different configurations cater
to various system
requirements
 Watchdog Timer Operation
• Step-by-step explanation of how the Watchdog Timer
operates during normal system functioning.
• The process of refreshing the timer to prevent it from
triggering a system reset is highlighted.
 Watchdog Timer Timeout

• When the system experiences a

fault or becomes unresponsive,
the Watchdog Timer's timeout
occurs.
• The time period for the timeout
is configurable, depending on
the system's needs.
 Reset and Recovery Actions

• When the Watchdog Timer times

out, it triggers a reset signal, forcing
the system to restart.
• After the reset, the system can follow
a predefined recovery process to
restore its normal operation.
 Importance in Embedded Systems

• Watchdog Timers are vital in embedded systems

where reliability is crucial.
• They help prevent system crashes and lock-ups,
ensuring continuous operation.
 Industrial Applications

• The Watchdog Timer finds applications in industrial

control systems, robotics, and critical infrastructure
where downtime can be costly or hazardous.
 Automotive Applications

• In automotive systems, Watchdog Timers help ensure

the safety and reliability of electronic control units
(ECUs).
 Medical Devices and Healthcare

• Watchdog Timers play a role in medical devices to

ensure patient safety and data integrity.
 Challenges and Considerations

• Proper configuration of the Watchdog Timer's timeout

period is essential to avoid false resets.
• Designers need to ensure that the Watchdog Timer's
operation doesn't consume excessive system
resources.
 Conclusion
• The Watchdog Timer is a crucial component in
ensuring system reliability and availability.
• Its ability to monitor and recover from system failures
makes it an indispensable feature in various
industries.
 Q&A

• Feel free to ask any questions you may have about the
Watchdog Timer.
Thank You