Embedded Systems Error Code
Systems & Devices
Embedded Systems
ASSERTION FAILED | Runtime assertion
Industry
Systems & Devices
Canonical
/systems/embedded-systems/error-codes/assertion-failed/
Last Updated
Feb 27, 2026
Summary
A runtime safety check triggered and halted or reset the system.
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What This Code Means
“Assertion failed” indicates a runtime check detected an invalid state and triggered a controlled halt or reset. In embedded systems this often protects against unsafe operation and points to a logic or state machine issue.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- Device status screens or logs
- During startup or initialization sequences
- While interacting with sensors, buses, or storage
- After firmware updates or configuration changes
Why This Code Appears
- A safety check or assertion failed
- The system restarted due to watchdog or power conditions
- A bus, peripheral, or storage operation failed
- A resource limit was reached (memory/stack)
What Typically Happens Next
- The device may reboot or enter a fault state
- A diagnostic message is logged
- Service intervention may be required for field equipment
What This Code Is Not
- It is not always user-repairable
- It is not safe to perform electrical repairs based on guesses
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Capture the full log output, including any stack trace or code
- □ Confirm firmware version and recent configuration changes
- □ Check power stability and environmental conditions
- □ Isolate peripherals and buses if the fault indicates I/O
- □ Use vendor diagnostics and service manuals for the exact model
- □ Escalate when the fault is recurring or safety-critical
Notes And Edge Cases
Embedded error identifiers are frequently product-specific; the exact device documentation is critical.
Related Codes
8 links
- HEAP CORRUPTION CodeAllocator state corrupted
- ILLEGAL INSTRUCTION CodeInvalid CPU instruction
- USAGEFAULT CodeUsage fault exception
- GURU MEDITATION ERROR CodeRuntime panic
- BROWNOUT RESET CodeUndervoltage event
- I2C BUS ERROR CodeBus communication failure
- SVCALL CodeSupervisor call
- WATCHDOG RESET CodeWatchdog triggered
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