Incremental Instrumentation Logic Modification for IC Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for debugging integrated circuits require rerunning synthesis and place and route operations whenever instrumentation logic needs to be modified, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method for incrementally updating instrumentation logic by building a list of available signals, modifying the instrumentation, and rerouting only the affected regions, allowing for changes without rerunning synthesis and place and route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If instrumentation logic is modified during debugging, then the debugging accuracy is improved, but synthesis and place and route must be rerun which increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the circuit design into segments: core functional logic and instrumentation logic. The instrumentation logic is extracted into a separate configurable layer that can be modified independently. This segmentation allows changing instrumentation settings without triggering full synthesis and place and route operations, thus improving debugging accuracy while minimizing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic instrumentation logic that can be reconfigured during the debugging process. The instrumentation layer is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing users to modify which signals are instrumented and how they are monitored without requiring a complete redesign cycle. This dynamic capability enables rapid iteration and adjustment during debugging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If instrumentation logic is modified during debugging, then the debugging functionality is improved, but the complexity of the design process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal instrumentation layer that can monitor and analyze multiple different signals and conditions through a unified interface. This multi-functional instrumentation logic handles various debugging scenarios (timing analysis, signal verification, error detection) through a single configurable framework, improving debugging functionality without proportionally increasing design process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary instrumentation layer between the core design logic and the debugging tools. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator that translates various debugging requirements into standardized monitoring operations. By isolating the complexity in this intermediary layer, the core design remains simple while gaining enhanced debugging capabilities.
3Reliability
If synthesis and place and route are rerun after modifying instrumentation, then the design correctness is improved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the instrumentation layer with default settings and preparing the design structure before debugging begins. The instrumentation logic is pre-integrated into the design in a way that anticipates future modification needs. This preliminary preparation ensures design correctness is maintained while enabling rapid instrumentation changes without requiring full synthesis and place and route reruns, thus protecting productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for incremental updating of instrumentation logic in integrated circuit designs. During debugging of a circuit design, instrumented signals are modified without rerunning synthesis and place and route. According to an embodiment, instrumentation logic is incrementally changed by the following operations: Building a list of available signals, modifying one or more instrumented signals, connecting or disconnecting the modified signals, and rerouting the modified signals.