Logic Analyzer Trigger State Indexing for Control Overhead Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of trigger states in logic analyzers increases, so does the control overhead, leading to higher circuit area and power consumption, making it difficult to maintain flexibility and efficiency in debugging hardware circuitry.
Innovation Solution
A logic analyzer with a state controller that switches between a programmable sequence of trigger states, generating an index signal for each state, and using this index to index into programmable target control signal data for efficient signal matching and switching between trigger states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of trigger states is increased to enhance debugging flexibility, then the ability to examine and match hardware signals is improved, but the control overhead, circuit area, and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trigger state control into a modular architecture where a state controller manages trigger states sequentially, and an analyzer circuit processes signals. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple trigger states without proportionally increasing overall complexity, as each component has a defined, manageable function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic trigger state management where the logic analyzer can switch between different trigger states based on programmable sequences. The state controller dynamically progresses through trigger states, allowing flexible adaptation to different debugging scenarios without requiring static, fixed configurations for all possible states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of trigger states is increased to enhance debugging flexibility, then the ability to examine and match hardware signals is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through sequential trigger state progression, where the state controller moves through trigger states in a programmed sequence rather than maintaining all states simultaneously active. This periodic progression through states reduces the energy required to maintain multiple trigger states compared to having all states continuously monitored and ready.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of trigger states is increased to enhance debugging flexibility, then the ability to examine and match hardware signals is improved, but circuit area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality through a shared trigger state machine and analyzer circuit that can perform multiple functions across different trigger states. The same basic circuit structure is reused for various trigger states, with configuration controlled by programmable sequences and index signals, thereby reducing the total circuit area required compared to dedicated circuits for each trigger state.
Data Source
AI summary
A logic analyzer 6 is provided with a state controller 12 and analyzer circuitry. The logic analyzer switches between a programmable sequence of trigger states and generates an index signal within each trigger state. The index signal is used to control the analyzer circuitry to select appropriate portions of programmable trigger state data so as to configure the matching operation performed against hardware signal values taken from hardware circuitry 4 which is subject to analysis by the logic analyzer 6.