Processor Debug Pipeline with On-Demand Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional processor on-chip debugging circuitry integrated into the execution pipeline consumes energy continuously, reducing power efficiency as debugging features are always active, even when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A separate debug pipeline and power domain are introduced, enabling the debug system to be powered only during debugging sessions, separate from the execution pipeline and power domain, thus reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If debug circuitry is integrated into the execution pipeline, then debugging capabilities are available, but energy consumption increases due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is divided into separate execution and debug power domains, allowing independent power management. The debug pipeline and its control logic are segregated into a dedicated debug power domain, enabling the debug circuitry to be powered independently from the execution pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The power state of the debug system is made dynamic and adaptive. Power control circuitry automatically adjusts the power state of the debug power domain based on whether a debug tool is detected, transitioning between powered and unpowered states to optimize energy consumption while maintaining debugging capability when needed.
2Ease of operation
If debug system is always powered, then debugging can be performed at any time, but power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the debug system operates periodically based on detection events. The power control circuitry monitors for debug tool presence and activates the debug power domain only during periods when debugging is actually needed, creating an on-demand operational pattern that reduces energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The debug system includes automatic detection and power management capabilities. The power control circuitry autonomously detects when a debug tool is coupled to the processor and automatically activates or deactivates power to the debug power domain without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in power management.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor includes execution circuitry, within an execution power domain, to process an instruction; and a debug system, within a separate debug power domain, to selectively operate to perform debugging operations on the processor. The processor further includes power control circuitry coupled to the debug system; and detection circuitry coupled to the power control circuitry. The power control circuitry causes power to be supplied to the debug system when the detection circuitry indicates that a debug tool is coupled to the processor, and disables power supply to the debug system when the detection circuitry indicates that the debug tool is not coupled to the processor.