Modular Debug Core Segmentation for Programmable Chip Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices lack flexibility in implementing debug mechanisms, as these are often fixedly integrated with the processor and limited to a predefined set of features, restricting users' ability to customize or incorporate third-party debug features.
Innovation Solution
A modular debug core separate from the processor core, allowing users to customize and integrate various debug features through multiple submodules, such as trace generation, performance counters, and hardware triggers, via various interfaces like JTAG, enabling flexible debugging and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If debug mechanisms are fixedly integrated with the processor at design time, then the processor can have pre-configured debug capabilities, but the ability to change or customize debug mechanisms is substantially limited
Solution Approach 1:
The debug core is divided into multiple independent submodules (e.g., trace generation submodule, performance counters submodule, hardware triggers submodule) that can be selectively combined in different configurations. This segmentation allows the debug mechanism to be customized after processor deployment without changing the processor core itself, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The debug core is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable through the selection and combination of different submodules. Users can change the debug mechanism configuration after the processor is deployed by selecting different submodule combinations, making the system adaptable while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Device complexity
If debug mechanisms are fixedly integrated with the processor, then the processor structure remains simple, but third-party created debug mechanisms cannot be incorporated
Solution Approach 1:
The debug core submodules are designed with universal interfaces that allow them to work with different processor cores and support third-party debug mechanisms. The standardized interface enables third-party created submodules to be integrated into the processor without complicating the core structure, achieving both simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The debug core acts as an intermediary between the processor core and third-party debug mechanisms. By using standardized interfaces and modular submodules, third-party mechanisms can be incorporated through the debug core without directly complicating the processor core structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular debug core with multiple submodules is implemented, then the flexibility to customize debug features is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the debug core into independent submodules with standardized interfaces, the complexity is managed through modularity. Each submodule handles a specific function, and the overall system complexity is reduced compared to a monolithic design, as submodules can be independently designed, tested, and replaced.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for implementing a semiconductor device with a debug core separate from a processor core. The user configurable debug core can be customized to include one or more debug core submodules. Each debug core submodule is generally associated with a particular debug feature such as trace generation, performance counters, or hardware triggers. The debug core can be driven through a variety of interfaces to allow debugging, monitoring, and control of processor operations.