What is the goal of reset to :
1) Reliability in case ESP32 "loses" its way in code execution ?
2) Simple re-initialization of ESP32 to restart from a known state ?
3) Wakeup ESP32 (your having put it to sleep at some time prior) ?
What is the reason for doing this periodic reset ?
Note the timers are 64 bit, with an 80 Mhz clock (or lower one)
producing resets low period timing trivial.
Many ESP32 versions dual core, so if a reliability issue one can consider one
core checking on the other....not perfect as they share a lot of the same HW
and internal logic/busses, but a possibility.
If reliability is prima facie consideration processors with traps would offer
more protection (chatGPT response) :
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Address traps are a feature used by some microprocessors, typically for debugging or managing memory access violations. When an address trap occurs, the processor triggers an exception or interrupt when certain addresses are accessed, which helps with tasks like memory protection, access control, or debugging.
As of 2025, here are a few microprocessors and architectures that implement address traps or similar mechanisms:
1. ARM (Various Models)
- ARMv7 and ARMv8 (e.g., Cortex-A series): These processors support a variety of exception mechanisms that include address traps for memory access violations. Features like Memory Protection Unit (MPU) or Memory Management Unit (MMU) in ARM cores can be used to trap certain memory accesses (such as illegal memory regions or access to non-cacheable regions).
- TrustZone: ARM TrustZone also allows trapping access to sensitive memory regions for secure execution environments.
2. x86 and x64 (Intel and AMD Processors)
- Intel: Modern Intel processors, especially those with Intel VT-x (Virtualization Technology), include mechanisms like page faults, segment faults, and access violations, which can be considered a form of address trap. Additionally, Intel's Memory Protection Extensions (MPX) offer further control over memory access, although MPX has been deprecated in recent Intel processors.
- AMD: AMD processors also support similar features for trapping memory violations, including page faults, data access faults, and virtual memory protections.
3. RISC-V
- RISC-V: The RISC-V architecture supports address traps through its page faults and access violations mechanisms. RISC-V also provides support for memory protection and privilege levels to control access to certain regions of memory, triggering exceptions when violations occur.
4. MIPS
- MIPS processors: The MIPS architecture has provisions for trapping memory access violations using TLB (Translation Lookaside Buffer) exceptions and address exceptions. These exceptions are triggered when a program accesses a restricted or invalid memory address.
5. PowerPC
- PowerPC (e.g., IBM Power Series): PowerPC processors feature address traps as part of their memory management unit (MMU). These traps are typically used for address translation errors or protection faults when a program accesses restricted or invalid memory locations.
6. SPARC
- SPARC processors (e.g., Oracle's SPARC series): SPARC processors implement address traps using mechanisms like page fault traps and memory protection exceptions.
7. Custom Embedded Processors
- Some custom or embedded processors may include specific address trap mechanisms in their memory management units (MMUs) or as part of custom debugging and protection features. For example, microcontrollers with MMUs might be able to trap invalid or unauthorized memory accesses as part of their system design.
Common Mechanisms Involving Address Traps:
- Page Faults: Triggered when an illegal memory access is attempted.
- Memory Protection: Systems can trap accesses to memory areas that are marked as read-only or otherwise restricted.
- Access Violations: Trap illegal operations like executing data or reading/writing to non-permitted regions.
While not all processors explicitly label their features as "address traps," many modern processors provide mechanisms for trapping illegal memory accesses, which achieves similar results. These features are particularly useful in operating systems, debuggers, and security contexts.