Patent ID: 6185732
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A processor-based device provided with pins to permit connection to external electrical devices, the processor-based device comprising:a processor core;a serial port formed of a plurality of pins configured to receive standardized serial port signals as well as signals from external non-trace capture software deDug equipment;control circuitry coupled to the serial port for decoding and differentiating between standardized serial port signals and signals used by the external non-trace capture software debug equipment;a plurality of debug registers coupled to the control circuitry and the processor core for receiving and providing debug data and control signals; andat least one additional pin of the serial port configured to facilitate communication between the external non-trace capture software debug equipment and the processor core,wherein the processor core is adapted to perform various software debug operations in response to signals from the external non-trace capture software debug equipment, the at least one additional pin providing an indication of the status of select software debug operations.