Selecting debug tools for embedded-processor-based systems

摘要

As system design evolves and the use of embedded processors gains popularity, engineers naturally attempt to apply familiar, time- and production-tested techniques to the development and debug of these systems. This usually involves the use of independent, highly specialized tools, each of which focuses on a single aspect of the system. Such tools include waveform and HDL source code viewers for hardware debug; processor-specific instruction-set simulators and/or standard C/C++ debuggers like gdb for software debug; and vendor-provided viewing and tracing tools for purchased IP. This make-do approach, while viable for relatively simple systems, becomes a liability as system complexity increases, and can threaten both project schedule and overall design reliability.