Multiplexing Application and Debug Data on Single USB Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional debugging systems for embedded systems require separate connections and dedicated I/O pins for application and debugging data, making software development and debugging complex and inefficient, especially for systems with low I/O pin count.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a single USB connection for both application and debugging data communication between a host computer and an embedded system, eliminating the need for a separate interface unit and dedicated I/O pins by multiplexing data through a USB driver and module, allowing re-allocation of I/O pins for other purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connections are used for application and debugging data, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines application data and debugging data into a single USB communication channel. The USB interface simultaneously handles both application development data and debugging data, eliminating the need for separate physical connections and interface units while maintaining reliable communication for both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB interface is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the application data communication channel and the debugging data channel. This multi-functional approach allows a single interface to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated connections, reducing hardware complexity while preserving communication reliability.
2Reliability
If dedicated I/O pins are allocated for debugging channel, then debugging functionality is ensured, but I/O pin count increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The USB interface serves dual purposes by handling both application data and debugging data through the same physical connection. This eliminates the requirement for dedicated I/O pins for debugging, allowing all I/O pins to be allocated for application purposes while debugging functionality is maintained through the shared USB channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB protocol acts as an intermediary that carries both application and debugging data through a single interface. Debugging data is transmitted through the USB driver and protocol layer, which mediates between the debugging needs and the USB communication standard, eliminating the need for direct dedicated pin connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interface unit is used for data conversion, then interface compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the interface unit from the system architecture by directly utilizing the USB interface for both application and debugging communications. The USB driver and protocol handling are integrated into the host computer and embedded system, eliminating the need for a separate data conversion interface unit while maintaining interface compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system for software development and debugging for an embedded system includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a host computer comprising a USB driver interfaced with the USB, wherein the USB driver can multiplex application data and debug data to and from the USB, and an embedded system comprising a USB module interfaced with the USB. The USB module can multiplex the application data and the debug data to and from the host computer via the USB.