        |
|
Debug system hangs with the push of a button
The Universal PCI Dump Switch card from Connect Tech Inc. is a low-cost solution for system hang debugging.
This development tool pays for itself the first time you push the button. It allows developers to regain control of locked up software and speed up system hang debugging.
The PCI Dump Switch card is essential hardware for developers working on programs such as device drivers or interrupt handlers because it eliminates the guesswork needed to debug system hangs.
Debugging system hangs means that developers can avoid losing crucial system information when a system freezes during software programming and testing.
Non-maskable interrupt (NMI)
A button located on the exterior of the PCI Dump Switch card triggers a Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI), which enables a crash dump, or drops you into your operating system’s debugger. This NMI enables developers to debug system hangs even when a system freeze dictates a hardware reset.
Debug deadlock
With the PCI Dump Switch card, developers can debug system hangs even when a bug causes a complete lock of the operating system. The card does not reset the host computer, but rather it will help to debug deadlocked drivers, while reducing the frustration that goes along with system hang debugging.
Specifications for Connect Tech’s system hang debugger
- Universal 32-bit PCI card (PCI 2.3 compliant)
- Operating temperature range of 0°C to 65°C
- Push button generation of a Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI)
- Transparent PCI to PCI bridge
- MD1 Low Profile (4.72" length)
- Configures to generate kernel debugging
Using the NMI to debug system hangs
The PCI Dump Switch Card is used to debug system hangs in one of two ways:
- Use the native system debugger and configure it to pop up when the button on the PCI Dump Switch card is pushed
- Hook the Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI) in a program and instruct it to take specific action, such as outputting data to a serial or parallel port, or saving the status to a form of non-volatile memory.