Debug Apparatus Using Message Interface for Processor Exception Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debugging multiprocessor systems is inefficient due to the need for extensive hardware connections and reliance on external debugging software, which slows down the halting of processors during data analysis, leading to potential data corruption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for propagating exception messages across a network of processors using existing messaging protocols, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware connections and external debugging software, by forwarding foreign exception messages and replicating local exceptions, with conditions to prevent infinite loops and ensure relevant message propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If dedicated hardware connections are provided between each processor to trigger exceptions, then exception propagation speed is improved, but hardware resource usage increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a message interface as an intermediary component that mediates exception propagation between processors. Instead of direct hardware connections between all processor pairs, the message interface receives exception messages and distributes them to target processors, reducing the complexity of direct inter-processor connections while maintaining fast exception propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware connection system with a software-based message passing system. Exception propagation is achieved through software messages rather than dedicated hardware signal lines, eliminating the need for complex hardware wiring while maintaining the ability to rapidly propagate exceptions across processors.
2Ease of operation
If external debugging software is used to send halt signals to processors, then debugging control flexibility is improved, but processor cycle overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables processors to autonomously propagate exceptions to each other through the message interface without requiring external debugging software intervention. When one processor triggers an exception, it automatically sends exception messages to other processors, which then independently handle the exceptions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the time overhead of external software while maintaining debugging flexibility.
3Productivity
If processors continue operating during data analysis, then processing productivity is maintained, but data corruption risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively propagating exception messages to all relevant processors before data corruption can occur. When an exception is detected in one processor, the message interface immediately distributes exception messages to other processors, causing them to halt their operations preemptively. This prevents the harmful effect of data corruption while allowing processors to resume normal operation afterward, thus maintaining overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes processor circuitry to perform data processing operations. Interface circuitry forms a connection to a plurality of other apparatuses and receives a foreign exception message indicative of a foreign exception event having been triggered on one of the other apparatuses. In response to receiving the foreign exception message, the interface circuitry forwards the foreign exception message to a set of the plurality of other apparatuses.