Intel 386/486 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 Plus 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 tracing 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 real-time monitoring and emulator debug features
System Lifecycle Diagram
C-TAC Plus Intel 386/486 Channel Monitor
The Intel 386/486 Channel is designed to provide continuous Real-time Monitoring for the 386 embedded computer. The monitoring is done on a completely non-intrusive 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 busses.
Channel Cross Triggering
The Intel 386/486 Channel is able to cross trigger with other Channels (processor or bus) 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 and/or multiple bus channels.
Interactive Debug
The Intel 386/486 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 procedures and code execution, quickly and
easily
High Volume Data Collection
The Intel 386/486 Channel's standard configuration provides 120 MBytes of data storage with optional extension to 1 Gigabyte
Target Processor Speed
The Intel 386/486 Channel operates with fast target CPU clock speeds.
Modes of Operation
Image: Real-time display of up to 250 variables.
Log: Continuously recorded trace of user specified events.
Sustained recording rate of 25,000 events/second.
Snapshot: Recirculating trace of user specified events; delayed
triggering for pre-, post- and center- trigger placement.
Code Coverage: Maintains a scoreboard of code locations
accessed during a given test.
Events Detected
Access Type: Instruction, operand, I/O, DMA, interrupt
Address Value: Up to 250 unique addresses or 83 ranges
Message Data Items/Packets: Up to 250 specific data words
from the same or different message packets or up to 83
message packets
Data Value: Integer and floating point formats; =, ≠, <, >,
≤, ≥, in-range and out-of-range comparisons (true arithmetic
ranges in target representation format); multiple values for
binary encoded fields
Actions on Events
Record: Snapshot mode stores the event in memory. Log mode
stores the event to disk
Site Transition: Change current state to next state. C-TAC can
be configured to monitor events in 64 different states.
Trigger: Generates a trigger point to freeze the snapshot trace.
Freeze can be delayed for pre-, post- or center-triggering.
External Trigger: Asserts one of four external trigger lines.
Signals other channels, other C-TAC Plus 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
Variable Event Post-Run Analysis
Variable Plot: Linear or scatter plot of up to 6 variables as a function of time
Procedure Event Post-Run Analysis
Process Timeline: Flow of program execution at the procedure
level. Graphical presentation of procedure duration and
sequencing.
Coded Coverage: Indication of code and data areas accessed
during test.
Message Event Post-Run Analysis
Message Profiling: Graphical plot of up to 28 user-selectable
message ranges as a function of time.
Auto Symbol Translator
- Optional extensions to the user interface are available to automate conversion of symbolic cross-reference information provided by the compiler tool set to the representation
- Planned support includes Ada and C program file formats
- Feature automates test specification setup to significantly reduce data entry time and errors
- Provides menu selection of software procedures and variables
- Addresses are automatically extracted for a selected event
- Automatic update of addresses after a software rebuild
C-TAC Plus base unit
Configuration For The Intel 386/486 Channel
- Event Detector and Acquisition Card (EDAC) detects and captures all event data specified
- SCSI hard drive records event data captured by the EDAC
- Personality Interface Module (PIM) maps the 486 hardware and instruction set architecture for interface with the EDAC
- Probe Adapter (PAD) conditions the 486 signals for transmission to the PIM
- Target Lead Set (TLS) provides a custom connection between the PAD and the 486 system
