Embedded Logic Analyzer Programmable Interconnect for Firmware Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional embedded logic analyzers are limited in their ability to sample and analyze software or firmware data within integrated circuits, requiring additional instruments and user presence at a workstation for programming and data analysis.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with an embedded logic analyzer that includes a programmable interconnect module, trigger module, and output module, allowing for flexible sampling and debugging of signals, including software and firmware data, with the ability to modify signals and trigger conditions, and remote access for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional embedded logic analyzers are used, then basic signal sampling capability is provided, but the ability to sample and analyze software or firmware data within integrated circuits is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The logic analyzer is enhanced with a programmable interconnect module that can be configured through a state machine to perform multiple functions including sampling hardware signals, capturing software data from memory interfaces, and analyzing firmware operations. This multi-functional capability allows a single device to handle diverse data types (hardware signals, software data, firmware) that previously required separate instruments, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through integrated design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional instruments are used to analyze software and firmware data, then comprehensive analysis capability is achieved, but device complexity and user presence requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple analysis functions into a single logic analyzer device. The programmable interconnect module integrates memory interface coupling, data capture, and analysis capabilities that previously required separate external instruments. By merging these functions internally with a unified state machine control structure, the system achieves comprehensive analysis capability while reducing the need for multiple devices and continuous user presence, as the system can autonomously capture and analyze data according to programmed conditions.
3Measurement precision
If data is transferred to a computer for further analysis, then detailed analysis is possible, but loss of time occurs during data transfer and user must be present at workstation
Solution Approach 1:
The logic analyzer incorporates an integrated state machine and programmable interconnect module that enable the device to autonomously perform data capture, processing, and analysis functions. The system can self-configure memory interfaces, self-trigger on programmed conditions, and self-analyze captured data without requiring continuous user intervention or immediate computer connection. This self-service capability reduces data transfer time and allows analysis to proceed independently, minimizing the need for user presence at the workstation while maintaining detailed analysis capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit including a logic analyzer with enhanced analyzing and debugging capabilities and a method therefor. In one embodiment of the present invention, an embedded logic analyzer (ELA) receives a plurality of signals from a plurality of buses within an integrated circuit (IC). The ELA includes an interconnect module to select a trigger signal and/or a sampled signal from the plurality of received signals. A trigger module sets at least one trigger condition and detects if the trigger signal satisfies the at least one trigger condition. When the trigger condition is satisfied, an output module performs at least one task based upon the satisfied at least one trigger condition. If a sampling process is initiated by the output module, the plurality of sampled signals is sampled and may be stored in a memory. The capability of the output module to perform multiple user-defined tasks enhances the debugging capability of the ELA and makes it more versatile.