Bus Debug Device for Automatic Transmission Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual bus testing in computer systems is inefficient and lacks accuracy, requiring repetitive manual operations to ensure compatibility and stability when replacing hardware components, which can be wasteful and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A debug device comprising a processing unit, comparing unit, and recording unit that automatically detects the proper transmission range of the bus by intercepting address signals and test data between the north bridge and south bridge chips, improving testing accuracy and reducing labor effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation with measuring equipments is used for bus testing, then the testing can be performed, but the efficiency is low and accuracy is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The debug device automatically performs bus transmission detection without requiring manual operation. The processing unit automatically sends test data through the bus, the comparing unit automatically compares transmitted and received signals, and the recording unit automatically stores test results, enabling the system to self-test and eliminating manual measurement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated electronic processing. The processing unit, comparing unit, and recording unit work together to automatically detect bus transmission characteristics, substituting the manual measuring equipment and operational processes with an automated digital system.
2Reliability
If manual testing procedures are repeated to ensure optimal results, then testing completeness is achieved, but labor effort and time are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The debug device continuously automatically detects bus transmission across multiple test cycles without interruption. The processing unit continuously sends test data, the comparing unit continuously compares signals, and the recording unit continuously stores results, achieving complete testing coverage through continuous automated operation rather than repeated manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated detection of bus transmission characteristics during the booting process before the CPU fully initializes. By intercepting and analyzing address signals and test data early in the boot sequence, the system can identify stable transmission ranges without requiring subsequent manual testing procedures.
3Ease of operation
If manual measurement operations are performed, then testing can be conducted, but the work is exhaustive and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The debug device is integrated into the existing computer system architecture, utilizing the existing bus structure (front side bus, link bus, PCI bus) for testing purposes. The same bus infrastructure that handles normal CPU communication is also used for automated detection, making the testing system universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The debug device acts as an intermediary between the CPU and the bus transmission detection function. It intercepts address signals and test data from the north bridge chip, processes them through the comparing unit, and records results, serving as a mediator that enables automated testing without requiring direct manual intervention in the bus transmission path.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a debug device and method thereof and is applied to detect transmission on a bus in a computer system having a CPU, a north bridge chip and a south bridge chip. The debug device consists of a processing unit, a comparing unit and a recording unit. The processing unit receives a first address signal and a second address signal from the north bridge chip, and correspondingly transmits an index signal and a test data to the north bridge chip. The comparing unit compares the first and the second address signal to generate a comparing signal. And the recording unit records the first and the second address signal and the comparing signal. The north bridge chip connects to the south bridge chip via a bus, and the debug device also connects to the south bridge chip. Therefore the north bridge chip and the debug device transmit to both through the south chip.