State machines and error handling
25 min · BeginnerUnderstand the concept
Firmware state machines make behavior explicit across startup, operating, disconnected and safe states. Missing data, buffer overruns and unexpected resets require deliberate recovery choices. Watchdogs can detect some hangs but should not disguise persistent faults.
Read the associated publisher material for deeper derivations, lectures and problem sets. This summary is an independent Harderware explanation.
Your exercise
Design a state machine with INIT, ACTIVE, ERROR and RECOVERY, and specify the transition when readings go stale.
Practice in simulation or at safe low voltage unless supervised by qualified personnel. Follow official equipment safety guidance.
Record your engineering notes
Capture a hypothesis, your observations, test evidence, failure cases or the next experiment. These notes stay in your browser unless you export them.
Knowledge check
How should a safety-relevant sensor timeout be handled?
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