Watchdog and watchdog timers.
Watchdog / watchdog timer is mechanism built-in in the system on hardware or software level can reset the system if serious problems are detected.
External links that are helpful when working on watchdog:
- wiki - Wikipedia link for watchdog timer;
- Introduction to Watchdog Timers - an article on watchdog timer on embedded boards;
- Advanced Watchdog Timer Tips - detail-level article on watchdog timer.