Hercules-EBX CPU User Manual V1.02
Page 43
6.5 Failsafe Mode / BIOS Recovery
The Hercules-EBX board is provided with the capability to force the BIOS code to be updated on
power-up. The Hercules-EBX will always check the BIOS for errors upon power-up (based on an
internal CRC code) and may try to force an update in this case.
Otherwise, the BIOS can be forced to update by shorting the two “CRISIS RECOVERY” pads
located just below J18 (the serial port header). If these pins are shorted as the board powers-up
and enters the self-test, it will immediately search for a USB floppy device on any of the 4 USB
ports. Once a drive is found, it will immediately search for a special “Crisis Recovery” disk
(provided by Diamond Systems). If the correct data is found, then the board will immediately
begin loading and updating the code.
To force the BIOS to re-program the code, short the two “Crisis Recovery” pins together and, with
a USB floppy drive connected and a Crisis Recovery disk in the drive, power-up the system. After
the system powers up and the floppy drive is accessed, the two pins should be released – if the
two “crisis Recovery” pins are shorted at the conclusion of the update, the system will reboot and
restart Crisis Recovery.
Once Crisis Recovery has started with a valid Floppy drive, do not turn off the system until the
system reboots itself and comes up to the POST screen.
See the information in the \Utilities\BIOS Recovery folder of the Hercules-EBX files area of the
DSC customer CD for instructions on using this program.
Note that the onboard settings should always be reloaded within the BIOS setup screens anytime
the BIOS is updated – even if it is reprogrammed with the same BIOS code. CMOS settings that
are not reloaded with defaults may cause unexpected system behavior – in short, ALWAYS go
into the BIOS menus and “load defaults” as soon as Crisis Recovery completes. Once defaults
are loaded, alternative settings may be entered and saved.
6.6 Flash Memory
Hercules-EBX contains a 2Mbyte 16-bit wide flash memory chip for storage of BIOS and other
system configuration data.
6.7 Backup Battery
Hercules-EBX contains an integrated RTC / CMOS RAM backup battery. The battery is located
adjacent to the PC/104 bus connector J1 (within the PC/104 outline). This battery has a capacity
of 120mAH and will last over 3 years in power-off state. Note that there are two connection points
for alternative, external battery power sources:
•
Utility Header(J7) – pins 12 (V+) and 14 (ground);
•
External Battery Header (J20)
The external battery should be 3-3.6V and should be able to provide a continuous supply with a
nominal 2uA continuous current drain and a peak short-term drain of 1mA. An external battery is
only recommended where concern for on-board CMOS settings and/or time accuracy make such
redundancy worthwhile.
The on-board battery is activated for the first time during initial factory configuration and test.
