Concurrent Multi-Debugger Control for Instruction Set Simulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debugging multicore integrated circuit devices is challenging due to the complexity of software debugging processes, particularly with multicore designs that require dynamic partitioning of software across cores and equal workload sharing, leading to difficult-to-reproduce and understand bugs, and existing simulation-based tools are not adapted to handle multicore systems efficiently, limiting the ability to debug multi-tasking applications and allowing only single debugger connections.
Innovation Solution
A simulation-based software development tool that enables concurrent attachment of multiple debuggers to an instruction set simulator (ISS), allowing independent control and preventing runtime interference, thereby facilitating efficient debugging of multi-tasking applications and handling multicore systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only one debugger is connected to the ISS at a time, then the debugging process is simple and manageable, but it becomes impossible to debug multi-tasking applications and multicore systems effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the debugging functionality by allowing multiple independent debugger instances (first debugger, second debugger, etc.) to connect to and control the single ISS simultaneously. Each debugger can independently set breakpoints, step through instructions, and control execution without interfering with others, effectively dividing the debugging control among multiple users or tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The ISS acts as an intermediary that receives control commands from multiple debuggers and manages their execution. The system architecture introduces a debugger management layer that coordinates requests from multiple debuggers, allowing them to independently control the ISS while preventing runtime interference between them.
2Productivity
If the entire system is frozen when one processor hits a breakpoint, then debugging can be performed, but it prevents simultaneous debugging of multiple tasks and cores
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control authority by allowing different debugger instances to independently freeze or continue execution of specific tasks or cores without affecting others. When one debugger hits a breakpoint, only the relevant task or core is frozen while other debuggers can continue controlling their respective targets, enabling parallel debugging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages execution state by allowing multiple debugger instances to independently control the ISS execution state. Each debugger can set breakpoints and control flow independently, with the system dynamically adjusting which tasks or cores are frozen based on which debugger hits a breakpoint, rather than universally freezing everything.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple debuggers are allowed to control the ISS independently, then concurrent debugging of multiple tasks becomes possible, but runtime interference between debuggers may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The ISS serves as an intermediary that receives and manages control commands from multiple debuggers. The system architecture includes a coordination mechanism that processes requests from multiple debuggers through the ISS, ensuring that breakpoints, step commands, and execution control from different debuggers are handled without causing runtime interference or conflicting states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the ISS monitors and reports the execution state to all connected debuggers in real-time. This feedback loop ensures that when one debugger modifies execution state (e.g., hits a breakpoint, changes run mode), other debuggers are notified and can adjust their control accordingly, preventing runtime interference while maintaining concurrent debugging capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An ISS (instruction set simulator) debugging method. The method includes executing a plurality of instructions of an ISS (instruction set simulator). For each instruction, an ISS simulation state is synchronized to a simulation time when the execution of the instruction is finished. At least two debugger components are executed in conjunction with the execution of the ISS, wherein the debugger components are each coupled to control the ISS.