Compression of data traces for an integrated circuit with multiple memories

• Main Author: JOHN, JOHNNY K
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 02.03.2011
• Subjects: INFORMATION STORAGE; MEASURING; MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES; PHYSICS; STATIC STORES; TESTING

Techniques for performing data tracing in an integrated circuit with multiple embedded memories are described. A trace module within the integrated circuit forms packets of trace data for memory accesses of the multiple memories. The trace module includes multiple data capture units (one for each memory) and a trace stream generator. Each data capture unit includes a register, a comparator, an address compressor, a data compressor, and a packetizer. The register stores an address for a prior memory access of the associated memory. The comparator compares an address for a current memory access against the address stored in the register. The address and data compressors perform address and data compression, respectively, for the current memory access. The packetizer forms a packet of trace data for the current memory access. The trace stream generator generates a stream containing trace data packets from all data capture units.