Embedded Logic Analyzer Signal Processing for Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logic analyzers fail to effectively provide enhanced analyzing and debugging capabilities for electronic circuits, as they often output raw data signals that do not clearly indicate the operational status of electronics devices, making it difficult to diagnose and correct issues.
Innovation Solution
A programmable embedded logic analyzer integrated within an integrated circuit, which includes an interconnect module, trigger module, and output module to select, trigger, and modify signals based on user-defined conditions, allowing for enhanced debugging and error correction by creating new signals or values using mathematical equations, and communicating with a remote host for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If raw data signals are output by the logic analyzer, then the data can be transferred to computer for analysis, but the signals fail to effectively indicate the operational status of electronics devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the logic analyzer and the user interface. This intermediary component transforms raw data signals into enhanced signals that include additional information about operational status, error conditions, and diagnostic data. The intermediary acts as a mediator that translates low-level digital signals into high-level meaningful information without requiring changes to the core logic analyzer hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/digital signal transmission approach with an information-processing approach. Instead of merely transmitting raw binary signals, the system processes these signals through software-based analysis and transformation, substituting the mechanical signal transmission with an intelligent information processing layer that can interpret and enhance the data meaning.
2Quantity of substance
If the logic analyzer captures large amounts of high speed data signals, then more data is available for analysis, but the complexity of analyzing and interpreting the data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex data analysis task into multiple manageable components. The enhanced signal generation is divided into separate functional blocks that process different aspects of the data independently - such as timing analysis, signal validation, error detection, and operational status determination. This segmentation allows the system to handle large quantities of high-speed data without overwhelming complexity, as each segment can be optimized and processed in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis and processing of the data signals within the logic analyzer itself, before the data is transferred to the computer. By pre-processing the data to identify patterns, validate signals, and generate enhanced representations, the system reduces the analysis complexity burden on the external computer and provides ready-to-interpret results.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the logic analyzer is programmable to capture specified data signals, then user-specific analysis is enabled, but the configuration and programming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal signal enhancement framework that can process multiple types of data signals through a single integrated system. The enhanced signal generation component is designed to handle various signal formats, protocols, and operational modes without requiring separate configuration for each signal type. This multi-functionality approach maintains adaptability while reducing configuration complexity through standardized processing pipelines.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for testing or debugging a system including the integrated circuit having an embedded logic analyzer. In one embodiment, the system includes a computing device coupled to the logic analyzer for receiving the at least one output. A user interface run on the computing device assigns an attribute to at least one signal associated with the logic analyzer, determines a new signal or value not provided by the logic analyzer, the new signal or value being based upon the at least one signal as received from the logic analyzer and upon a predetermined definition, and presents the new signal or value to a system user.