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An External Watchdog Circuit for Microcomputer-Based Controllers

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 2(1): 33-35. (doi: 10.13031/2013.26704) @1986
Authors:   J. D. C. Baldwin
Keywords:   Agricultural safety, Automation, Controller, Timer

AN external watchdog timer circuit for microcomputer-based controllers is presented. The controller must continually retrigger the timer to keep the control system active. A relay that remains energized while the system is operating properly actuates an alarm circuit and disconnects a power source if the timer is allowed to complete its cycle. A software technique to help detect incorrect program flow is also presented.

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