Debugging Interface Access Control for Programmable Hardware

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for programmable hardware components, such as PLDs and processors, lack the ability to disable configuration access through debugging interfaces, leading to potential damage from improper programming, while also restricting debugging capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An arrangement with a switching element that controls access to the debugging interface during configuration processes, allowing configuration only through the configuration interface and enabling debugging through the debugging interface under controlled conditions, using a configuration monitoring interface to signal and manage configuration processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the debugging interface is enabled for user access, then debugging capability is improved, but configuration access is also enabled which can lead to hardware damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebugging capabilityVSAvoidhardware damage from improper programming

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the debugging interface into two distinct operational modes: a first mode that enables debugging operations, and a second mode that enables configuration operations. The switching element controls which mode is active, allowing the system to provide debugging capability while preventing unauthorized configuration access that could cause hardware damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of the debugging interface through a switching element that can change the operational mode based on system state. The debugging interface dynamically transitions between being accessible for debugging only, and being blocked for configuration operations, thereby adapting to different operational requirements while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If configuration access is blocked to prevent damage, then system safety is improved, but debugging capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem safetyVSAvoiddebugging capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments interface access into distinct permission sets: debugging permissions that allow monitoring and control without modification, and configuration permissions that allow programming changes. By granting only debugging permissions through the debugging interface in the first operational mode, the system maintains safety while preserving full debugging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching element acts as an intermediary between the debugging interface and the programmable logic device, mediating access based on operational mode. In the first mode, it allows debugging traffic while blocking configuration traffic, thereby enabling debugging capability while maintaining system safety through controlled access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the debugging interface allows full access, then versatility is improved, but programming errors can overwrite mandatory interface logic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebugging flexibilityVSAvoidinterface logic integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operational modes to separate debugging functions from configuration functions. In the first operational mode, the debugging interface provides full debugging flexibility including variable monitoring, logic analysis, and control, while the segmentation prevents any configuration operations that could overwrite mandatory interface logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching element implements preliminary anti-action by preemptively blocking configuration access through the debugging interface before any programming operation can occur. This preventive measure stops potential programming errors from overwriting mandatory interface logic while preserving all debugging versatility in the first mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS9797947B2Arrangement for selective enabling of a debugging interface

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 DSPACE SE & CO KG

AI summary

An arrangement for disabling a configuration of a first programmable hardware component, having the first programmable hardware component, a second programmable hardware component, and a switching element. The first programmable hardware component has a configuration interface for configuring a logic of the first programmable hardware component, a data interface for communication of the logic with the second programmable hardware component, a debugging interface for debugging and configuring the logic, and a configuration monitoring interface for signaling a configuration process of the logic. The switching element is designed and connected to the debugging interface such that access to the debugging interface during a configuration process of the logic can be disabled.