Trace buffer for a configurable system-on-chip

Details Trace buffer for a configurable system-on-chip Trace buffer for a configurable system-on-chip

2000-08-24

2004-04-27

Beausoliel, Robert (Department: 2184)

Error detection/correction and fault detection/recovery

Data processing system error or fault handling

Reliability and availability

C714S030000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06728906

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of integrated circuits. More particularly, the present invention relates to trace buffers in integrated circuits.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Trace buffers are commonly included in processor-based systems to capture a snapshot of the executing system bus over a time. Using the trace buffer, debug software can recreate the system activity around the occurrence of a particular event, known as the breakpoint event. The debug software reads data out of the trace buffer to detect activity occurring around the breakpoint event to determine, for example, what caused the breakpoint event or what sequence of events surround the breakpoint event.
Some processors include trace buffers for use with the processor bus. However, the trace buffers included with processors typically record only activity that occurs on the processor bus. Also, the trace buffer occupies valuable space after debugging is complete.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A integrated circuit is described. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit includes a processor, a processor bus coupled to the processor, a system bus and a trace buffer. The trace buffer may capture activity on either the processor bus or the system bus.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5978937 (1999-11-01), Miyamori et al.
patent: 6457144 (2002-09-01), Eberhard
patent: 6523136 (2003-02-01), Higashida
patent: 6530047 (2003-03-01), Edwards et al.
patent: 6550022 (2003-04-01), Fever
Structured Real-time Firmware, date unknown.*
Hardware circular buffer, www.onelook.com.

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