+ /* Heartbeat is only sent once every 2 seconds.
+ *
+ * The heartbeat is to tell the ASF firmware that the host
+ * driver is still alive. In the event that the OS crashes,
+ * ASF needs to reset the hardware to free up the FIFO space
+ * that may be filled with rx packets destined for the host.
+ * If the FIFO is full, ASF will no longer function properly.
+ *
+ * Unintended resets have been reported on real time kernels
+ * where the timer doesn't run on time. Netpoll will also have
+ * same problem.
+ *
+ * The new FWCMD_NICDRV_ALIVE3 command tells the ASF firmware
+ * to check the ring condition when the heartbeat is expiring
+ * before doing the reset. This will prevent most unintended
+ * resets.
+ */