Trace Circuitry Synchronization Markers for Data Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The correlation between multiple trace streams in data processing systems is difficult to determine accurately, especially when separate instruction and data trace streams are used, leading to ambiguity in matching data elements with their corresponding instruction elements due to variable latency and out-of-order data transfers.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of synchronization markers in both the instruction and data trace streams to mark matching synchronization points, allowing for accurate correlation and alignment of trace data elements, even with variable offsets and key value wrapping, and the use of a search space to manage key value matching without unnecessary marker insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If separate instruction and data trace streams are used, then bandwidth efficiency and filtering capability are improved, but correlation accuracy between trace elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trace data is divided into separate instruction trace stream and data trace stream, each handling different types of information. This segmentation improves bandwidth efficiency by allowing specialized processing and filtering for each stream type, while the patent maintains correlation accuracy through synchronization markers that link corresponding elements across the separated streams.
Solution Approach 2:
Synchronization markers are introduced as intermediary elements in both the instruction and data trace streams. These markers serve as mediators that enable accurate correlation between the separated streams by providing reference points that allow analysis tools to align and match corresponding instruction and data elements despite the separation of the streams.
2Measurement precision
If synchronization markers are inserted in both trace streams, then correlation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Synchronization markers are inserted at predetermined synchronization points in both the instruction and data trace streams before the data leaves the processing circuitry. This preliminary action of pre-marking the streams with correlation references simplifies the analysis process and maintains correlation accuracy without requiring complex real-time processing or matching algorithms in external analysis tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If key values are used to match data elements with instruction elements, then correlation capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to key value wrapping and out-of-order transfers
Solution Approach 1:
Synchronization markers serve as intermediary reference points that bridge the reliability gap in key-value matching. When key values wrap around or when data transfers occur out of order, the synchronization markers provide stable reference points that allow analysis tools to correctly associate data elements with their corresponding instruction elements, thereby maintaining matching reliability despite the limitations of key-value alone.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing apparatus is provided with trace circuitry for generating a plurality of trace streams including an instruction trace stream 10 and a data trace stream 12. The instruction elements within the instruction trace stream and the data elements within the data trace stream are marked with key values KV such that a match may be made between data elements and corresponding instruction elements. When predetermined conditions are met, synchronization markers 66 are inserted in both the instruction trace stream 10 and the data trace stream 12 in order to permit a precise correlation to be made between the instruction elements and the data elements when the data is subsequently analyzed.