Microcomputer Reset tied to ground by capacitor

[chet]

Trying to understand circuit on a Lifecycle stationary bike. Why would they tie the reset terminal on a M5L8035LP microcomputer to ground with a 1 microfarad capacitor?

[Jan Axelson]

This discussion might help:

https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/67767/connecting-the-reset-pin-of-at8051

[chet]

In the bike application, when the bike stops all power supplies are lost except for a 9 volt battery that is used with a switch to launch voltage to the alternator field when you start pedaling.  When the pedaling  starts and the switch is pressed, the alternator develops the power for launching all power to the microcomputer.  So I guess when power is now supplied, the microcomputer may reset?  The capacitor tied to the computer reset is not tied to the power in any way. The positive side of the capacitor goes to reset terminal and the negative goes to ground.  All the peripheral chips that you mention in a setup are present including a programable chip that has the window covered.

[Jan Axelson]

Yes, the chip might have an internal pullup.