Error recovery by isolation of peripheral components in a data processing system

摘要

The present invention provides a computer system which allows a user to identify which one of a plurality of feature cards has issued an error signal. The device issuing the error signal is then isolated and error recovery techniques, (or re-initialization) are implemented only on the device with the error condition. The computer system includes additional control logic, along with a bridge chip that interconnects different information buses and at least one connector slot for receiving a feature card, which implements specific functions such as I/O, memory, or the like. When it is determined that an error signal is present the system hardware activates and holds a reset signal to the device which issued the error signal. Additionally, a status bit in a register in the bridge chip is set. The device driver corresponding to the device that issued the error signal then reads the status bit and verifies that an error has occurred and then resets the bridge and resets, or initializes only the device having the error condition.