Clock Control Circuit for Debugging Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in reducing power consumption during normal operating modes while maintaining the ability to perform debugging operations effectively, as existing debugging circuits are often disabled when not in use, hindering software development.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a clock control circuit that selectively activates or gates the clock signal for the debugging circuit based on the electrical connection state with an external debugger, allowing the debugging circuit to function during debugging mode while minimizing power consumption in normal operating mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the debugging circuit is continuously enabled to perform debugging operations, then debugging functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debugging circuit's operational state is dynamically adjusted based on whether a debugger is connected. The clock control circuit selectively enables or disables the debugging circuit by controlling the clock signal, allowing the system to transition between active and inactive states to optimize power consumption while maintaining debugging capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock signal parameter (enabled/disabled state) is changed based on debugger connection status. When no debugger is connected, the clock signal to the debugging circuit is disabled, changing the operational parameter from active to inactive, thereby reducing power consumption without permanently disabling the debugging functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the debugging circuit is disabled to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency improves, but debugging operations cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through the detection unit that monitors debugger connection status. This feedback signal controls the clock control circuit to appropriately enable or disable the debugging circuit, ensuring that debugging capability is maintained when a debugger is connected while reducing power consumption when no debugger is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The debugging circuit automatically adjusts its own power state based on external conditions (debugger connection). The detection unit and clock control circuit work together to self-regulate the debugging circuit's operational state without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining debugging readiness.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a clock control circuit is added to selectively enable the debugging circuit, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clock control circuit is segmented into distinct functional units: a detection unit for monitoring debugger connection status, a clock control circuit for managing the clock signal, and a clock gating unit for selectively enabling/disabling the debugging circuit. This segmentation allows each unit to perform a specific function efficiently, reducing overall complexity compared to a monolithic design.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a processor core, a clock control circuit and a debugging circuit. The processor core processes target software. The clock control circuit determines whether an electrical connection exists between the processor core and an external debugger and generates a determination result. The clock control circuit generates an output clock signal based on the determination result. The external debugger performs a debugging operation for the target software. The output clock signal is selectively activated based on the determination result and an input clock signal. The debugging circuit provides information with respect to the debugging operation for the target software to the external debugger based on the output clock signal.