Embedded Systems Error Code
Systems & Devices
Embedded Systems
PENDSV | PendSV exception
Industry
Systems & Devices
Canonical
/systems/embedded-systems/error-codes/pendsv/
Last Updated
Feb 27, 2026
Summary
PendSV is commonly used for context switching; being reported as a fault usually indicates an exception handling or stack issue.
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What This Code Means
PendSV is an exception used by many RTOS kernels to perform context switching. If a device reports “PendSV” as an error, it typically means the system trapped unexpectedly during context switch logic or the crash reporter captured the system while in PendSV.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- RTOS-based devices with crash logs
- During heavy multitasking or interrupt load
Why This Code Appears
- Stack overflow or corruption during context switching
- Incorrect interrupt priorities for RTOS constraints
- Invalid task control block state
What Typically Happens Next
- Device resets or halts in a fault loop
What This Code Is Not
- It is not a hardware sensor code
- It is not a network timeout
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Review RTOS stack sizes and high-water marks
- □ Validate interrupt priority configuration against RTOS documentation
- □ Capture crash dumps and task state if available
Notes And Edge Cases
Crash reporters can capture the CPU inside PendSV even if the root cause happened earlier.
Related Codes
8 links
- BUSFAULT CodeBus fault exception
- ILLEGAL INSTRUCTION CodeInvalid CPU instruction
- USAGEFAULT CodeUsage fault exception
- ASSERTION FAILED CodeRuntime assertion
- BROWNOUT RESET CodeUndervoltage event
- DEBUGMON CodeDebug monitor exception
- GURU MEDITATION ERROR CodeRuntime panic
- HARDFAULT CodeCPU fault exception
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