Embedded Emulator Unit for MCU Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debugging micro controller unit (MCU) chips is inefficient due to the lack of effective methods for performing debug operations, which hinders manufacturers' ability to determine the normalcy of the chips post-manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a debug port, access ports, processing units, and an embedded emulator unit that allows one processing unit to generate debug instructions to access the emulator unit, producing a debug signal to perform debug operations on another processing unit through the debug port and access ports, enhancing the convenience of the debugging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional debug methods are used for MCU chips, then the basic debug function is available, but the debug operation is inefficient and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling one processing unit to perform debug operations on another processing unit within the same semiconductor device. The first processing unit generates debug instructions that are executed by the second processing unit, allowing the system to debug itself without requiring external debug equipment or separate debug processors. This internal self-debugging capability significantly improves both the convenience and efficiency of the debug operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the processing units to serve multiple functions. The same processing units that execute normal application code also serve as debug targets and can generate debug instructions for mutual debugging. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated debug hardware, thereby improving the ease of operation and productivity of the debug process.
2Ease of operation
If an embedded emulator unit is added to enable internal debug operations, then debug convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the debug functionality with the existing processing units by integrating the emulator unit into the same chip architecture. Instead of adding completely separate external debug equipment, the emulator unit is combined with the processing units to form an integrated debug system. This merging approach enables internal debug operations while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the emulator unit as a mediator between the processing units for debug operations. The emulator unit receives debug instructions from one processing unit and executes them on another processing unit, facilitating the debug process. This intermediary mechanism enables convenient internal debugging while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple by using a dedicated but integrated debug component.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a debug port, a first access port, a second access port, a first processing unit, a second processing unit, and an embedded emulator unit. The first access port is coupled to the debug port. The second access port is coupled to the debug port. The first processing unit is coupled to the first access port. The second processing unit is coupled to the second access port. The embedded emulator unit is coupled to the debug port, the first processing unit and the second processing unit. The first processing unit generates a debug instruction to access the embedded emulator unit, so that the embedded emulator unit generates a debug signal. The debug signal is output to the second processing unit through the debug port and the second access port, so as to perform a debug operation on the second processing unit.