Web IDE Debug Adapter Protocol Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Web-based integrated development environments (IDEs) currently lack support for debugging microcontrollers, requiring manual download and flashing of executable programs, and cannot integrate debug probes, limiting embedded software engineering workflows.
Innovation Solution
An adapter device with a processor that converts communication protocols between a web-based IDE and a microcontroller's debug interface, enabling connection via USB or multi-pin interfaces like JTAG/SWD, allowing for debugging within a web browser using WebUSB technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If web-based IDEs are used for portable browser-based software engineering, then accessibility and collaboration are improved, but debugging functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bridge application as an intermediary component that runs locally on the user's device. This bridge acts as a mediator between the web-based IDE and the debug probe, enabling debugging functionality within the browser environment without requiring the IDE to directly communicate with hardware devices. The bridge application receives debugging requests from the web IDE and forwards them to the appropriate debug interface, thus resolving the contradiction between web-based accessibility and debugging capability.
2Reliability
If debug probes are connected to microcontrollers, then debugging capability is improved, but integration with web browsers is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge application serves as an intermediary that translates between the web browser environment and the debug probe interface. It captures debugging requests from the web IDE, converts them into appropriate protocols for the debug probe (such as SWD or JTAG), and manages the communication between the browser and hardware debug interface, enabling both debugging capability and web browser integration simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameters and protocols dynamically. The bridge application detects the type of debug interface (SWD, JTAG, etc.) and adjusts communication parameters accordingly. It transforms high-level debugging commands from the web IDE into protocol-specific instructions that the debug probe can execute, enabling adaptability across different debug interfaces while maintaining web browser compatibility.
3Device complexity
If manual download and flashing of executable programs is used, then simplicity is maintained, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the code compilation, debugging, and program flashing operations into a single integrated workflow within the web-based IDE. The bridge application enables the web IDE to not only compile code but also automatically upload and debug the generated executable programs on the microcontroller. This combination of previously separate manual steps into an automated integrated process significantly improves programming efficiency while maintaining ease of use.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is an adapter device (1) for connecting a web-based IDE (201) and a debug interface (301) of a microcontroller (3), comprising a first communication interface (101) configured to exercise a first communication protocol and connectable to a web client (2) configured to execute the web-based IDE (201); a second communication interface (102) configured to exercise a second communication protocol and connectable to the debug interface (301) of the microcontroller (3); and a processor (103) configured to convert between the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol. This enables an integration of debug probes into web-based IDEs, and having a complete embedded software engineering workflow in a web browser.