Core System Debugging via Path Identifier Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current debugging methods in core systems require extensive log information storage, leading to high memory usage and inefficiencies when attempting to trace function paths and errors during instruction execution.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that store and manage a path identifier including return addresses of called functions, allowing for efficient debugging by storing only necessary path information in non-volatile memory, reducing memory usage and enhancing debugging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive log information is stored for debugging, then debugging capability is improved, but memory usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential path information (return addresses of called functions) from the complete log data, storing only this critical subset in non-volatile memory. This selective extraction maintains debugging capability while dramatically reducing memory consumption by eliminating redundant or non-essential log entries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the full execution path by storing only return addresses in a compressed format. Instead of preserving complete function call logs with all details, it maintains a representative copy that suffices for debugging purposes, thereby reducing storage requirements while preserving essential diagnostic information.
2Measurement precision
If complete function path information is stored, then error analysis precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the critical path information needed for error analysis - specifically the return addresses of called functions - and stores this minimal set in non-volatile memory. This extraction approach maintains sufficient precision for debugging while avoiding the complexity of managing complete execution logs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the representation parameters of function path information by storing only return addresses rather than complete function call details. This parameter transformation reduces the data structure complexity while preserving the essential information needed for error analysis and debugging operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of executing an instruction of a core includes calling a first function; calling a second function in the first function; and updating a path identifier including path information of called functions based on a second function return address corresponding to where the second function ends and returns to.