On-Chip Debug and Trace Engine for Ethernet-Based ECU Field Debugging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Debugging software in automotive ECUs is challenging due to technical constraints that prevent the use of JTAG/ETM in real-world environments, and software-based solutions introduce overheads or behavioral changes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a microchip with an on-chip JTAG/ETM-over-Ethernet engine that transforms debugging data into Ethernet packets for transmission to external entities, enabling debugging in real-world scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If JTAG/ETM ports are used for debugging, then debug access and code traceability are improved, but the debugging equipment cannot be used in real-world field environments due to cable length and signal frequency constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebugging accessibilityVSAvoidfield deployment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (debug probe with Ethernet interface) that mediates between the JTAG/ETM ports and the external debugging equipment. This intermediary converts high-frequency JTAG/ETM signals into Ethernet packets that can be transmitted over long distances through standard Ethernet cables, enabling field debugging while maintaining signal integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical connection system (short high-frequency cables required for direct JTAG/ETM connection) with an Ethernet-based communication system. This substitution allows debugging signals to be transmitted over standard Ethernet infrastructure, eliminating the cable length and frequency constraints that prevent field deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If software monitoring and instrumentalization are used via DCM/DEM modules, then debugging capability is improved, but system overhead increases and behavior may differ from production software

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebugging capabilityVSAvoidsoftware behavior consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the debugging functionality from the software layer and places it in the hardware layer through dedicated JTAG/ETM ports. This extraction allows debugging to occur at the hardware level without modifying the software application, ensuring that the software behavior remains identical to production while still enabling comprehensive debugging capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a parallel debugging channel through JTAG/ETM ports that copies the execution state and trace information without interfering with the primary software execution path. This copying mechanism allows observation and control of software behavior without altering it, maintaining consistency between debug and production modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12585570B2Microchip with on-chip debug and trace engine

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A microchip includes a central processing unit (CPU) configured to execute a software application. The microchip further includes an Ethernet interface configured to transmit Ethernet packets to and receive Ethernet packets from an external debugging entity. The microchip further includes an on-chip debug and trace module configured to transform debugging data and trace data from the CPU into a stream of Ethernet packets, and to provide the stream of Ethernet packets to the Ethernet interface for transmitting the stream of Ethernet packets to the external debugging entity.