Embedded USB Debug Controller for Multi-Interface IC Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of mobile computing devices and integrated circuits makes existing debugging methodologies cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring multiple connection interfaces and tools for comprehensive testing and debugging.
Innovation Solution
An embedded Universal Serial Bus (USB) debug (EUD) system that converts debugging information from various internal interfaces (like JTAG, SWD, and UART) into USB format, allowing external access through a USB interface without impacting normal system behavior, enabling non-invasive monitoring and efficient debugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple debugging interfaces (JTAG, SWD, UART) are used to capture execution loggings, then debugging information completeness is improved, but device complexity and connection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple debugging interfaces (JTAG, SWD, UART, system trace) into a single USB communication channel. The USB device aggregates debugging information from all these interfaces and presents them through one unified USB connection to the host, eliminating the need for multiple separate physical connections while maintaining complete debugging information capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB device is designed to support multiple debugging methodologies simultaneously through a single interface. It can capture and transmit debugging information from various sources (JTAG, SWD, UART, system trace) through one universal USB connection, making the debugging system versatile and adaptable to different debugging needs without requiring additional connection interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection interfaces are required for comprehensive debugging, then debugging capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connection interfaces into a single USB connection. The USB device consolidates debugging capabilities from JTAG, SWD, UART, and system trace interfaces, allowing users to connect only one cable while accessing comprehensive debugging functionality, thereby greatly simplifying the connection setup process.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB device acts as an intermediary between the DUT and the host debugging tool. It receives debugging information from multiple internal interfaces of the DUT and translates/transmits them through a single USB channel to the host, eliminating the need for users to manage multiple direct connections while maintaining full debugging versatility.
3Loss of information
If debugging interfaces are activated, then debugging information access is improved, but normal system operation may be impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The USB device serves as a non-invasive intermediary that monitors and captures debugging information from the DUT without interfering with normal system operations. It can access debugging interfaces while the system remains in mission mode, allowing simultaneous debugging and normal operation without impact on system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB device enables the system to provide debugging information on its own without external intervention or disruption to normal operations. The debugging information is captured and transmitted through USB while the system continues to function normally, allowing the system to serve both debugging and operational needs simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embedded Universal Serial Bus (USB) debug (EUD) for multi-interfaced debugging in electronic systems are disclosed. Electronic systems contain complex integrated circuits (ICs) that require extensive testing and debugging to ensure good quality and performance. In exemplary aspects, an EUD is provided in an electronic system. The EUD is configured to send control information to and/or collect debugging information from multiple internal debugging interfaces in the electronic system. The EUD is also configured to convert the debugging information into a USB format so that the debugging information can be externally accessed through a USB interface provided by the electronic system. The EUD can provide non-invasive monitoring of the electronic system. The electronic system is able to use a USB port for communications in a mission mode while EUD is enabled. Additionally, the electronic system can turn on or off all system clocks during power-saving mode while the EUD continues to function.