Multi-core chip providing external core access with regular operation function interface and predetermined service operation services interface comprising core interface units and masters interface unit

摘要

A data processing system, integrated circuit device, program product, and method thereof utilize a service interface to provide external access to a plurality of cores integrated into an integrated circuit device. The service interface, which may be utilized to perform external data transfer through a service access port in connection with a predetermined service operation, is separate from any function interface that is utilized during regular operation of the device. The service interface includes a plurality of core interface units integrated with selected cores on the device and coupled to the service access port through a master interface unit that is configured to request at least one of the core interface units to initiate execution of a predetermined service operation. As such, a multitude of service operations may be initiated in any number of the cores through a common service access port without occupying a large number of I/O pins and without necessitating interruption of the regular operation of the device.