Debug State Machine for Complex Integrated Circuit Error Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debugging complex integrated circuit designs has become increasingly difficult due to the evolution of processing technologies and the reduction in size and complexity of devices, making it challenging to repeat and reconstruct errors using traditional simulation tools and techniques.
Innovation Solution
A processor or integrated circuit chip incorporating a debug state machine (DSM) that allows for programming of complex triggering sequences, centralizing control of local debug functions such as trace start and stop, trace filtering, cross triggering, clock stopping, and flexible microcode interface, enabling efficient debug visibility by initiating actions based on specific triggers or sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional simulation tools and techniques are used for debugging, then the debugging process can be performed with simple tools, but it becomes increasingly difficult to debug complex circuit designs and repeat errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a debug state machine (DSM) as an intermediary component between the complex circuit design and the debugging tools. The DSM captures and stores internal state information and trigger events, acting as a mediator that provides visibility into the circuit's operation without requiring direct intervention in the complex circuit itself. This resolves the contradiction by making debugging easier while accommodating increased circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The DSM performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring trigger conditions and capturing state information before errors occur. The system programs complex triggering sequences in advance, so when specific events occur during circuit operation, the relevant state information is already captured and stored for later analysis. This allows errors to be reconstructed without needing to repeat the exact conditions that caused them.
2Reliability
If errors are detected during debugging using traditional methods, then errors can be identified, but the process becomes difficult and ineffective due to inability to repeat and reconstruct errors
Solution Approach 1:
The DSM creates copies of the circuit's internal state information at specific trigger events. Instead of requiring direct observation or repetition of error conditions, the system captures and stores copies of relevant state data (such as register values, signal states, and timing information) that can be later analyzed to reconstruct the error scenario. This copying mechanism maintains reliable error detection while dramatically improving debugging productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring circuit operation, detecting trigger conditions, and automatically capturing state information. The DSM continuously observes circuit behavior and provides feedback to the debugging system by storing captured state data that can be retrieved and analyzed. This automated feedback loop improves both error detection reliability and debugging efficiency by eliminating manual intervention for error reconstruction.
3Measurement precision
If complex triggering sequences are programmed for debug visibility, then precise control and visibility into debugging process is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debug state machine is segmented into distinct functional components: trigger condition monitoring, state information capture, data storage, and retrieval interfaces. Each segment handles a specific aspect of the debugging function, allowing complex triggering sequences to be broken down into manageable parts. This segmentation maintains high measurement precision for debug visibility while controlling device complexity through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor or an integrated circuit chip including a debug state machine (DSM) that allows for programming complex triggering sequences for flexible and efficient debug visibility is disclosed. The DSM centralizes control of local debug functions such as trace start and stop, trace filtering, cross triggering between DSMs, clock stopping, triggering a system debug mode interrupt, flexible microcode interface, and the like. The DSM is configured to receive triggers from a processor core, other DSMs, a northbridge, other sockets, and the like and initiate a programmed action on a condition that a corresponding trigger or a sequence of triggers occurs.