Tracing multiple data access instructions
AssigneeArm Limited
InventorsAndrew Brookfield Swaine, David James Williamson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A microprocessor integrated circuit 104 is provided with a trace controller 120 that is responsive to trace initiating conditions to trigger commencement of tracing operation and generation of a trace data stream. In the case of a multi-word data transfer instruction LSM, the trace controller 120 is able to trigger tracing partway through that instruction such that a subset of the transfer specified by that instruction are included within the trace data stream. All transfers subsequent to the triggering transfer may be traced with those transfers subsequent to the triggering transfer being marked with place holder codes rather than more informative full trace data for the triggering transfer.
Claims10
Apparatus for processing data, said apparatus comprising:
- (i) a register bank having a plurality of registers and operable to store data words to be processed;
- (ii) processing logic operable in response to a multi-word data transfer instruction to transfer a plurality of data words between respective registers within said register bank and respective storage locations within a data memory;
- and
- (iii) tracing logic triggered by detection of a predetermined trace initiating condition to commence tracing operation generating a trace data stream of trace data part way through said multi-word data transfer instruction whereby a subset of transfers of said plurality of data words are traced within said trace data stream.
A method of processing data, said method comprising the steps of:
- (i) storing data words to be processed within a register bank having a plurality of registers;
- (ii) in response to a multi-word data transfer instruction, transferring a plurality of data words between respective registers within said register bank and respective storage locations within a data memory;
- and
- (iii) when triggered by detection of a predetermined trace initiating condition, commencing tracing operation generating a trace data stream of trace data part way through said multi-word data transfer instruction whereby a subset of transfers of said plurality of data words are traced within said trace data stream.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.