Trace Data Encoding Using Shared Communication Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems require high-bandwidth connections and dedicated circuitry for tracing behavior across multiple data processing apparatuses, leading to increased costs, circuit area, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating monitor, interface, and encoding circuitry to generate and transmit encoded instructions for storing or outputting local trace data using existing communication interfaces, reducing the need for dedicated trace output ports and allowing for amalgamation of local and foreign trace data for improved compression and reduced bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each data processing apparatus outputs trace data via dedicated trace output ports, then trace data collection capability is improved, but circuit area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling data processing apparatus to use existing general-purpose communication interfaces (such as PCIe, USB, or Ethernet ports) for trace data output instead of requiring dedicated trace output ports. The apparatus can dynamically select between multiple communication interfaces based on availability and suitability, allowing the same hardware interface to serve both data processing and trace monitoring functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating virtual trace output capabilities through software drivers that emulate dedicated trace ports using existing communication interfaces. Instead of physically duplicating trace output circuitry, the system creates virtual representations that provide identical functionality through different hardware paths, reducing circuit area while maintaining trace collection capability.
2Productivity
If high-bandwidth connections are used for trace data transmission, then trace data transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing adaptive bandwidth allocation where the trace data transmission rate dynamically adjusts based on current system conditions. The apparatus monitors available bandwidth, power consumption levels, and trace data generation rates to automatically select appropriate transmission modes. When power is abundant and bandwidth available, higher transmission rates are used; when power is constrained, the system reduces transmission rate or buffers data, eliminating the need for continuously operating high-bandwidth connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing flexible adjustment of transmission parameters including data rate, packet size, and protocol selection based on current operational requirements. The system can switch between different communication protocols (e.g., from high-speed PCIe to lower-power USB) and modify transmission parameters in real-time to optimize the balance between trace data transmission capability and power consumption, rather than being locked into fixed high-bandwidth modes.
3Reliability
If dedicated trace output ports are provided for every data processing apparatus, then trace monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling data processing apparatus to use existing general-purpose communication interfaces (such as PCIe, USB, or Ethernet ports) for trace data output instead of requiring dedicated trace output ports. The apparatus can dynamically select between multiple communication interfaces based on availability and suitability, allowing the same hardware interface to serve both data processing and trace monitoring functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements intermediary by introducing software drivers and firmware layers that act as mediators between the trace monitoring system and existing communication interfaces. These intermediary components translate trace data into appropriate communication protocols and manage the interaction between multiple data processing apparatus sharing common communication resources, reducing the need for dedicated hardware while maintaining monitoring capability.
4Reliability
If multiple connections are made to collect trace data from multiple apparatus, then comprehensive trace coverage is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling data processing apparatus to use existing general-purpose communication interfaces (such as PCIe, USB, or Ethernet ports) for trace data output instead of requiring dedicated trace output ports. The apparatus can dynamically select between multiple communication interfaces based on availability and suitability, allowing the same hardware interface to serve both data processing and trace monitoring functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements merging by consolidating trace data collection from multiple data processing apparatus through shared communication infrastructure. Instead of requiring separate dedicated connections for each apparatus, the system allows multiple sources to share common communication buses and protocols, with intelligent arbitration and multiplexing to manage concurrent access. This reduces the total number of physical connections and associated costs while maintaining comprehensive trace coverage across all apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing apparatus is provided that includes monitor circuitry to produce local trace data indicating behaviour of the data processing apparatus. Interface circuitry communicates with a second data processing apparatus and encoding circuitry produces an encoded instruction to cause the local trace data to be stored in storage circuitry of the second data processing apparatus or to be output at output circuitry of the second data processing apparatus. The interface circuitry transmits the encoded instruction to the second data processing apparatus.