MIL-STD-1750A Channel Monitor
System Overview
C-TAC Plus is an embedded system analyzer. It provides simultaneous Real-Time Non-Intrusive (RTNI) monitoring of all key points in the system. The monitoring is done on a completely non-intrusive basis without the injection of wait states or cycle stealing, and does not affect bus timing or message sequencing. C-TAC also provides time correlation of data across multiple processors, backplanes, and networks as well as system level evaluation in the operational environment.
Key Benefits
- Data and event correlation and tracking across multiple processors and data busses.
- Dramatic cost savings in resolving software and integration problems.
- Ability to significantly shorten project schedules.
- Significant and affordable improvements in software quality.
- Includes both RTNI monitoring and emulator debug features in one instrument.
Embedded System Lifecycle Diagram
C-TAC Plus MIL-STD-1750A Channel Monitor
The MIL-STD-1750A Channel is designed to provide continuous RTNI monitoring for embedded computers in the 1750A family. The monitoring is done on a completely nonintrusive basis, without the injection of wait states or cycle stealing. Software timing and sequencing are not affected by the monitoring function. Multiple channels can be placed in a single C-TAC Plus unit to simultaneously monitor additional processors or buses.
Channel Cross Triggering
The 1750A Channel is able to cross trigger with other
channels (processors or buses) or with external
equipment
Time correlation
All C-TAC Plus Channels use a common time stamp. This
feature allows time correlation of data collected from
multiple channels.
Interactive Debug
Although it is non-intrusive, the 1750A Channel also provides all of the intrusive
interactive debug features commonly found in in-circuit
emulators, including:
- Start, stop, single step
- Hardware & software breakpoints
- Load/dump memory
- Examine/deposit memory & registers
Common User Interface
Test setup, control, and post-run analysis are
accomplished with a symbolic user interface (Microsoft
Windows based), which significantly increases user
productivity
Graphical Data Analyis
Graphical analysis software allows the user to plot
variable data and profile bus traffic quickly and easily
High Volume Data Collection
The 1750A Channel standard configuration provides 120
MBytes of real-time data storage with optional extensions
up to 1 Gigabyte
Target Processor Speed
The 1750A Channel operates with target CPU clock speeds
up to 40mhz
Modes of Operation
Image: Real-time display of up to 250 variables
Log: Continuously recorded trace of user events to disk.
Burst recording rate at bus speed. Sustained recording
rate of more than 40,000 events/second.
Snapshot: Re-circulating trace of user events to memory;
delayed triggering for pre-, post- and center-trigger
placement
Code Coverage: Maintains a scoreboard of code locations
accessed during a test
Events Detected
Access Type: Instruction, operand, I/O, DMA, interrupt
Address Value: Up to 250 unique addresses or 83
ranges
Data Value: Signed/unsigned word and long word, and
1750A single and extended floating point; hex, octal or
decimal; =, ≠, <, >, ≤, ≥, in-range and out-of-range
comparisons; multiple values for binary encoded fields
Message Transactions: BC→RT, RT→BC, RT→RT, MC,
errors, specific RT transactions, specific message packets
Actions On Events
Record: Records events in trace memory
Site Transition: Change current state to next state. C-TAC
can be configured to monitor events in 64 different user
definable states.
Trigger: Generates a trigger point to freeze the snapshot
trace. Freeze can be delayed for pre-, post- or centertriggering.
External Trigger: Asserts one of four external trigger
lines. Signals other channels, other C-TAC units or other
equipment that a particular event occurred within the
system.
Time Sync: Asserts the external time sync line when the
event occurs
Timer/Counters: Two timer/counters are available for
control of additional selected recording
Procedure Event Post-Run Analysis
Process Timeline: Program execution flow at the
procedure level. Graphical presentation of procedure
duration and sequencing.
Code Coverage: Indication of code and data areas
accessed during test
Auto Symbol Translator
- Optional feature automates test specification setup to significantly reduce data entry time and errors
- Automates conversion of symbolic cross-reference information provided by the compiler toolset at C-TAC format
- Conforms to major JOVIAL and Ada toolsets
- Automates update of addresses after a software rebuild
C-TAC Plus base unit
Configuration for the MIL-STD-1750A Channel
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Event Detection and Acquisition Card (EDAC) detects and captures all event data specified by the user
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SCSI hard disk drive records event data captured by the EDAC
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Personality Interface Module (PIM) maps the 1750A system hardware and instruction set architecture for interface with the EDAC
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Probe Adaptor (PAD) conditions the 1750A signals for transmission to the PIM
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Target Lead Set (TLS) provides a custom connection between the PAD and the 1750A system
