Debugging Network for SoC Error Aggregation and Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of computer systems makes it challenging to efficiently and effectively debug errors, particularly in System on a Chip (SoC) devices, where late error detection can hide the primary cause of errors, increasing debugging costs and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A debugging network comprising an aggregation network and a distribution network is introduced, which collects error information from leaf nodes and distributes it to responding functional circuits to perform actions based on the error information and the order of occurrence among error events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional debugging methods are used in complex computer systems, then system functionality is maintained, but error detection is delayed and debugging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debugging network is segmented into multiple functional components: leaf nodes for error collection, aggregation network for error aggregation, and distribution network for error distribution. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks independently, improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary nodes (aggregation network and distribution network) that mediate between error sources and responding functional circuits. These intermediaries collect, aggregate, and distribute error information systematically, enabling reliable error detection without requiring direct complex interactions between all system components
2Stability of the object's composition
If error detection is performed later in the system operation, then system stability is maintained, but the primary cause of errors becomes harder to identify
Solution Approach 1:
The debugging network performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and aggregating error information from leaf nodes before errors fully propagate through the system. This preliminary error capture maintains system stability while preserving error context for later analysis, making error cause identification easier
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution network provides feedback by delivering error information back to responding functional circuits in a timely manner. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond to errors while maintaining stability, and the feedback loop preserves error context for accurate root cause analysis
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive error information is collected from all subsystems, then debugging accuracy is improved, but information transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The error collection process is segmented into distributed leaf nodes that independently gather error information from local subsystems. This segmentation enables parallel information collection across multiple subsystems, achieving comprehensive error data with reduced total transmission time through concurrent operations
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregation network merges error information from multiple leaf nodes into consolidated error reports. This merging process combines comprehensive error data from all subsystems while reducing the overall information volume that needs to be transmitted, thereby maintaining accuracy while reducing transmission time
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a debugging system that includes an aggregation network and a distribution network. The aggregation network can include leaf nodes and a first root node coupled to the leaf nodes. The leaf nodes can collect error information about error events in a functional circuits and transmit the error information to the first root node. The distribution network can include a second root node coupled to the first root node. The second root node can receive the error information from the first root node and distribute the error information to responding functional circuits to perform an action based on the error information.