Trace Logic Triggering via Software Instructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trace triggering techniques are expensive, inefficient, and require significant hardware resources, making them costly and space-intensive for debugging software applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a processor core with trace logic and a TRIG register to generate and control trace information streams based on conditions and status indicators, allowing for efficient activation and deactivation of tracing activities without the need for additional hardware, reducing hardware real estate and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional trigger hardware is used to control trace activity, then trace triggering functionality is achieved, but hardware cost and hardware real estate consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the triggering functionality from dedicated trigger hardware and relocates it to software-based mechanisms within the processor core. The trigger conditions are implemented as software instructions that can be executed by the existing processor, eliminating the need for separate hardware trigger units while maintaining the same functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the processor core universal by enabling it to perform both execution of application code and evaluation of trace trigger conditions. The same processor resources that execute software instructions are also used to evaluate trigger conditions and control trace activity, thereby eliminating dedicated trigger hardware and reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional trigger hardware is used to control trace activity, then trace triggering functionality is achieved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the triggering functionality from dedicated trigger hardware and relocates it to software-based mechanisms within the processor core. The trigger conditions are implemented as software instructions that can be executed by the existing processor, eliminating the need for separate hardware trigger units while maintaining the same functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex hardware trigger units with inexpensive software instructions that reside in the processor's instruction stream. These software-based triggers are essentially disposable in the sense that they can be easily modified, updated, or replaced without hardware changes, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
3Device complexity
If software-based trace triggering is used, then hardware real estate is reduced, but trace control efficiency must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading trigger conditions and parameters into register files before trace execution begins. The software instructions prepare all necessary trigger evaluation data in advance, allowing the processor to efficiently evaluate conditions during execution without requiring complex real-time hardware processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor core serves itself by using its own execution resources to evaluate trigger conditions and control trace activity. The same ALU and control units that execute application instructions also evaluate trigger conditions, eliminating the need for separate hardware services and improving overall efficiency by utilizing existing processor capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a processor core adapted to execute software code and a trace logic coupled to the processor core and comprising a storage. The storage comprises at least one bit that indicates a condition and status information. The trace logic generates a trace information stream associated with the processor core as the core executes the software code. If the condition is satisfied, the trace logic adjusts a status of the trace stream in accordance with the status information.