Optional logging of debug activities in a real time instruction tracing log

A method performed in an integrated circuit, wherein the method comprises:

• initiating instruction tracing for instructions of a traced application, mode, or code region, as the instructions are executed by the integrated circuit;
• generating a plurality of packets to a debug log describing the instruction tracing;
• initiating an alternative mode of execution within the integrated circuit;
• operating in accordance with an invisible-trace mode or a visible trace mode based on a mode bit of the integrated circuit;
• wherein operating in accordance with the invisible-trace mode comprises suppressing indication of entering the alternative mode of execution;
• and
• wherein operating in accordance with the visible-trace mode comprises logging an indication of a transition from the instructions of the traced application, mode, or code region to the alternative mode of execution.

An integrated circuit comprising:

• storage for a mode bit;
• instruction tracing logic to trace instructions of a traced application, mode, or code region, as the instructions are executed by the integrated circuit;
• packet generation logic to generate a plurality of packets to a debug log describing the traced instructions;
• the integrated circuit to initiate an alternative mode of execution;
• and
• mode generation logic to suppress indication of entering the alternative mode of execution, wherein the packet generation logic and the mode generation logic operate in accordance with one of an invisible trace mode or a visible trace mode based on the mode bit.

A system comprising:

• a display unit;
• and
• an integrated circuit, wherein the integrated circuit comprises:
• a data bus,
• storage for a mode bit;
• instruction tracing logic to trace instructions of a traced application, mode, or code region, as the instructions are executed by the integrated circuit,
• packet generation logic to generate a plurality of packets to a debug log describing the traced instructions,
• the integrated circuit to initiate an alternative mode of execution, and
• mode generation logic to suppress indication of entering the alternative mode of execution, wherein the packet generation logic and the mode generation logic operate in accordance with one of an invisible trace mode or a visible trace mode based on the mode bit.

A tablet computing device comprising:

• a display unit;
• and
• an integrated circuit, wherein the integrated circuit comprises:
• a data bus,
• storage for a mode bit;
• instruction tracing logic to trace instructions of a traced application, mode, or code region, as the instructions are executed by the integrated circuit,
• packet generation logic to generate a plurality of packets to a debug log describing the traced instructions,
• the integrated circuit to initiate an alternative mode of execution, and mode generation logic to suppress indication of entering the alternative mode of execution, wherein the packet generation logic and the mode generation logic operate in accordance with one of an invisible trace mode or a visible trace mode based on the mode bit.