nanoX-EL User’s Guide
PICMG COM.0 R3.0
Page 50
Copyright © 2021 ADLINK Technology, Inc.
6.
BIOS Checkpoints, Beep Codes
A status code is a data value used to provide diagnostic information about the boot process. Progress codes are status codes that signify successful
progression to a following initialization step. Error codes signify error conditions encountered in the process of system initialization. The Aptio 5.x core
can be configured to send status codes to a variety of sources. The two most commonly used types of status codes are checkpoint codes and beep
codes. Checkpoint codes are byte length data values. Checkpoints are typically output to I/O port 80h, but the Aptio 5.x core can be configured to send
checkpoints to a variety of sources. The Aptio 5.x core outputs checkpoints throughout the boot process to indicate the task the system is currently
executing. Checkpoints are very useful in aiding software developers or technicians in debugging problems that occur during the pre-boot process on
production hardware. A beep code is a series of short sound signals. Beep codes are typically error codes that do not occur during normal boot process.
Note: Beep codes are not the only sounds generated during the boot process. Some firmware components may use sounds to notify the user
about other events such as detection of a hot-pluggable device. These sounds are typically generated using a frequency that is different from the
frequency of the beep codes
Viewing Checkpoints
Checkpoints generated by the Aptio firmware can be viewed using a PCI checkpoint card, also referred to as a “POST Card” or “POST Diagnostic Card”.
These PCI add-on cards show the value of I/O port 80h on an LED display.
Aptio V Checkpoint and Beep Codes
Download the Aptio V Checkpoint and Beep Codes from the AMI website at:
www.ami.com/download/aptio-v-checkpoint-and-beep-codes
