Patent ID: 7437616
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A microcontroller application monitoring system, comprising: a Host computer that runs monitor software for an application system in which a Target microcontroller is embedded; a Link microcontroller that is a chip of the same design as a Target microcontroller chip and that is alternatively configured as the Link microcontroller, wherein the Link microcontroller includes: a) means for running an interface translator program between the Host computer and the Target microcontroller; b) means for communicating with the Target microcontroller using a fast 2-wire communication interface; and c) means for communicating with the Host computer through a general communication interface such that the Link microcontroller shields the Target microcontroller and the Link microcontroller appears to the Host computer as having a general purpose interface; wherein the Target microcontroller includes: a) means for running an end user application program without restriction; b) means for communicating with the Link microcontroller using a fast, 2-wire communication interface; and c) means for running a special debugging program called a monitor.