SPRUJ17I March 2022 – August 2025 AM2631 , AM2631-Q1 , AM2632 , AM2632-Q1 , AM2634 , AM2634-Q1
The Error Signaling Module (ESM) centralizes fault reports. The module provides mechanisms to classify errors by severity and to provide programmable error response. The error classification in the ESM is determined by programmed configuration for each individual error input. For each individual error input the configuration can be set to assert an output error pin, or generate an interrupt to a CPU, or both. When an individual error input is configured to generate an interrupt, the configuration also selects whether the interrupt that is generated is high priority or low priority.
By reporting the faults in a central location, the system can determine what caused the fault and what action can be taken. In general, the faults can be split into two categories:
The ESM reports errors in two ways:
An interrupt to a processor inside the device. This enables the device to analyze and try to recover from an error.
An external ERROR pin in the device. This enables the system outside of the SoC to monitor for potentially fatal errors (errors that the device cannot self-recover from). Moreover, the external I/O (ERROR pin) can operate in level or PWM modes. In level mode, the output remains asserted (active low) for a minimum period of time. After that period of time, if the error has been cleared by an internal processor, the pin goes inactive (high). If signal does not go inactive in that time, then an external agent must intervene, as an unrecoverable error can occur. In PWM mode, the error causes the output pin to maintain the value for a minimum period of time. After that period of time, if the error has been cleared by an internal processor, the pin continues the PWM pattern. If the signal does not go inactive in that time, then an external agent must intervene, as an unrecoverable error can occur.
Both mechanisms can be used at the same time for the same fault, signaling both an interrupt and the external ERROR pin. This allows the device to attempt to recover, but if recovery fails, then the external system is still alerted. If recovery succeeds, then the ERROR pin assertion can be removed so that the external system knows that a potentially unsafe condition was avoided.
Lastly, the ESM does not specify any methods of intervention, only the process of alerting internal CPUs and external monitors of an existing error event.
ESM Block Diagram shows the ESM module block diagram.
Figure 13-273 ESM Block Diagram