Memory Controller Debug Output via UART Trigger
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for debugging data storage devices require frequent modifications to firmware code, which can affect the operation timing and make it difficult to reproduce the original error, leading to inefficiencies in the debugging process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a memory controller with a UART and microprocessor that outputs debug messages through a specific pin when a predetermined signal is received, allowing for real-time debugging without altering the original firmware behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If debug messages are added to the original firmware code, then debugging capability is improved, but operation timing is affected and firmware behavior deviates from original behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the debugging function from the original firmware code by using a独立的 debug message output module. This module can be activated independently through a specific trigger signal, allowing debugging operations to be segmented from normal firmware execution, thus avoiding interference with original firmware timing and behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary trigger signal mechanism that mediates between the debugging requirement and the original firmware execution. The trigger signal acts as a mediator to activate debug message output only when needed, without continuously interfering with firmware operation timing, thus resolving the contradiction between debugging capability and firmware reliability.
2Loss of information
If firmware code is modified repeatedly during debugging, then debugging information can be obtained, but time is lost due to compilation and updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the debug message output module and trigger signal mechanism in the firmware before actual debugging begins. This allows the debugging infrastructure to be ready in advance, eliminating the need for repeated code modifications and compilations during the debugging process, thus reducing time loss while still enabling comprehensive debugging information collection.
3Loss of information
If debug messages are continuously output, then debugging information is comprehensive, but system performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using trigger signals to activate debug message output only at specific moments when debugging information is needed, rather than continuously outputting debug messages. This periodic activation ensures comprehensive debugging information is captured at critical points while minimizing the impact on system performance during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory controller coupled to a memory device for accessing the memory device and includes a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is coupled to the UART and configured to control access operations of the memory device. The microprocessor is configured to perform an interrupt service routine in response to an interrupt. When performing the interrupt service routine, the microprocessor is configured to determine whether a predetermined signal has been received by a specific pin and when determining that the predetermined signal has been received by the specific pin, the microprocessor is configured to output a debug message through a transmitting terminal of the UART.