Programmable Logic Firmware Debugging for Multi-Core Processors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional debuggers are not update-friendly and are often expensive, making them unsuitable for a wide range of devices, especially those with single-chip multi-core architectures, as they lack the flexibility to handle various tracing functions at a lower cost.
Innovation Solution
A method for real-time firmware configuration that involves a computer system generating a firmware debugging request, transmitting it to a debugging apparatus via a connecting interface, and loading the firmware data into a programmable logic unit, which then executes debugging commands on a target processor, including actions like breakpoint setting, single-stepping, and performance tracing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional debuggers are used for firmware debugging, then debugging functionality is provided, but the device is expensive and lacks flexibility for updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the debugger's firmware programmable and updatable. The debugging apparatus can dynamically load new firmware from a host device, allowing its functionality to change over time rather than being fixed. This enables the debugger to adapt to different processor architectures and firmware versions, resolving the contradiction between update flexibility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the firmware parameter of the debugger, transforming it from a static, pre-programmed state to a dynamic, externally-configurable state. By allowing firmware to be loaded and updated via communication interfaces, the debugger can modify its operational parameters and debugging capabilities without hardware changes, achieving both flexibility and manageable complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If debuggers with tracing function are used, then advanced debugging capabilities are achieved, but the device is expensive and limited to specific processor architectures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a debugger that can work with multiple processor architectures through firmware configuration. The debugging apparatus uses a standardized interface and protocol that can be adapted to different processors by loading appropriate firmware, making it universally applicable rather than architecture-specific. This reduces the need for multiple specialized debuggers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by transferring firmware from a host device to the debugging apparatus. The firmware acts as a software copy that contains the specific debugging logic for different processor types. By copying and loading different firmware images, the same physical debugger can be adapted to various processor architectures without hardware modifications.
3Reliability
If firmware data is frequently updated in conventional debuggers, then latest debugging functions are obtained, but update success is affected by network environment and operator proficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the debugging apparatus to automatically receive, validate, and install firmware updates without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously manages the firmware update process, including error handling and rollback mechanisms, which improves reliability while simplifying operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the debugging apparatus to communicate update status, errors, and requirements to the host device. This bidirectional communication enables automatic retry logic, validation checks, and confirmation protocols that increase update success rates while reducing the operational burden on users.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for real-time firmware configuration and a debugging apparatus are provided. When a demand for updating or debugging a target processor raises, in the method, a computer system generates a firmware debugging request that is attached with a firmware data with a specific debugging function. The computer system then loads the firmware data to a programmable logic unit of the debugging apparatus. After the real-time firmware configuration is completed, the computer system issues a debugging command to the programmable logic unit. The programmable logic unit obtains at least one debugging action after resolving the debugging command. The at least one debugging action is performed in the target processor when the target processor receives the at least one debugging action. A debugging result is returned after the at least one debugging action is completed.