Execute Packet Event Counter for Precise Software Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing event testing methods, particularly timer-based approaches, are inefficient due to the potential for multiple triggers of events after the same instruction or execute packet, especially when execution stalls, leading to increased testing inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an event test engine with a programmable test counter register that advances its value based on execute packet execution, triggering an event only when the counter reaches a specified terminal value, thereby avoiding multiple triggers and improving testing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If timer-based testing approaches are used to validate software code, then events can be triggered during execution, but events may be triggered multiple times after the same execute packet due to variable execution times and stalls, leading to testing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the timer-based mechanical system with a software counter-based system. Instead of using hardware timers that trigger events based on elapsed time (which varies due to stalls and variable execution), the invention uses a software counter that increments with each executed instruction. This substitution eliminates the relationship between physical time and event triggering, ensuring that events are triggered based on instruction execution count rather than variable time intervals, thereby preventing multiple triggers for the same execute packet.
2Adaptability or versatility
If timer-based approaches are used, then events can be triggered during software execution, but the variable execution times cause increased testing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the software counter is incremented based on actual instruction execution feedback. The counter receives feedback from the instruction execution pipeline and adjusts its state accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the event triggering is synchronized with actual instruction completion rather than predetermined time intervals, allowing the system to adapt to variable execution times without wasting testing time on redundant event triggers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes executing software code comprising a plurality of execute packets; responsive to an execute packet of the software code being executed by a data processor core, advancing a value of a test counter register; and responsive to the value of the test counter register being equal to a terminal value, triggering an event to be handled by the software code.