Integrated Program Acquisition Circuit for Internal Memory Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
LSIs with integrated CPU and signal processing circuits face inefficiencies in program verification during the development stage due to intensive CPU and controller accommodation within the chip, limiting the ability to process programs from external sources.
Innovation Solution
A program processing device with a CPU, internal memory, and a data acquiring circuit integrated on the same semiconductor substrate, allowing for program acquisition from external devices and reducing the need for separate program storage, thereby enhancing debugging efficiency and system diversification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate program memory is connected to the CPU via external bus, then the CPU can execute programs, but the chip size and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the program processing functionality directly into the CPU chip by integrating a program acquisition circuit and internal memory on the same semiconductor substrate. This eliminates the need for external program memory and bus interfaces, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining program execution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The CPU is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both program execution capabilities and program acquisition capabilities within the same chip. The program acquisition circuit can obtain programs from external devices and store them in internal memory, allowing the CPU to function both as a processing unit and a self-contained program storage system.
2Device complexity
If CPU and controller are intensively accommodated inside the chip, then integration is improved, but program verification efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the program storage function from the execution function by providing separate internal memory regions and a dedicated program acquisition circuit. This segmentation allows the debug tool to access and verify programs in the internal memory independently, improving verification efficiency while maintaining high integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The program acquisition circuit acts as an intermediary between external debug tools and the internal memory, enabling efficient program verification. The circuit can be controlled to acquire programs from external devices during debugging phases, facilitating program verification without compromising the intensive integration of CPU and controller.
3Ease of manufacture
If program is stored in external program memory, then program storage is simplified, but the ability to process programs from external devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The internal memory is designed to serve multiple functions: it can store programs acquired from external devices during normal operation and can also serve as a debuggable memory space during verification phases. The program acquisition circuit enables the system to flexibly obtain programs from various external sources, combining the simplicity of internal storage with the versatility of external program sources.
Data Source
AI summary
A program processing device comprises a CPU for carrying out predetermined processing according to a program; an internal memory storing the program and data generated by the CPU by carrying out the program, and a data acquiring circuit connected to an external program processing device, for acquiring the program from the external program processing device to write into the internal memory, wherein the CPU, the internal memory, a debug processing circuit, and the data acquiring circuit are integrally mounted on the same semiconductor substrate.