Embedded Systems Error Code
Systems & Devices
Embedded Systems
OUT OF MEMORY | Allocation failure
Industry
Systems & Devices
Canonical
/systems/embedded-systems/error-codes/out-of-memory/
Last Updated
Feb 27, 2026
Summary
A required memory allocation failed due to exhausted heap or fragmentation.
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What This Code Means
An “out of memory” condition indicates a required allocation failed because the system could not provide sufficient memory. It can be caused by leaks, fragmentation, or unexpected workload spikes.
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
- MALLOC FAILED CodeHeap allocation failed
- WATCHDOG RESET CodeWatchdog triggered
- BROWNOUT RESET CodeUndervoltage event
- HARDFAULT CodeCPU fault exception
- HEAP CORRUPTION CodeAllocator state corrupted
- I2C BUS ERROR CodeBus communication failure
- DOUBLE FREE CodeMemory freed twice
- ASSERTION FAILED CodeRuntime assertion
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