Debug Event Resource Access Control Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data processing systems face challenges in accurately debugging internal debug event resources due to errors within internal debug event resources, such as software debuggers, leading to inaccurate debug operations.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allow exclusive ownership of debug event resources to either an external debugger or an internal resource, with the option for shared ownership, enabling the external debugger to control and manage debug event resources, including control registers, status registers, and debug logic, to prevent unauthorized modifications and ensure accurate debugging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If internal debug event resources are used for debugging, then debug operations can be performed, but errors within internal resources may result in inaccurate debug operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebug operation capabilityVSAvoiddebug operation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An access control module is introduced as an intermediary between internal resources and debug event resources. This module receives indicators from internal resources and uses them to control access to debug event resources, preventing direct access that could cause errors while still enabling debugging functionality through controlled mediation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control functionality for debug event resources is extracted from internal resources and placed in a dedicated access control module. This separation allows internal resources to provide debugging capability without directly managing debug event resources, eliminating errors in internal resource management while preserving debug operation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If debug event resources are shared between external and internal resources, then simultaneous debugging is enabled, but unauthorized modifications may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebugger operation flexibilityVSAvoidresource access control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The access control module dynamically adjusts access permissions based on received indicators from internal resources. The control mechanism is not static but adapts its behavior according to the state indicated by internal resources, enabling flexible shared access while maintaining reliability through conditional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from internal resources in the form of indicators to control access to debug event resources. The access control module continuously monitors these indicators and adjusts access permissions accordingly, creating a feedback loop that maintains reliable control while enabling versatile debugging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9053233B2Method and device for controlling debug event resources

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 NXP USA INC

AI summary

Software executed at a data processor unit includes a software debugger. The software debugger can be assigned responsibility for servicing a debug event, and be authorized to allow software control of debug event resources associated with the debug event. An indicator, when asserted, prevents a authorized request by software to control a debug event resource.