Real Time Calibration and Debug Techniques of Embedded Processors with the Nexus 5001 Interface

Recent technology improvements in the area of embedded processors have changed the methods of debugging and calibration with instruction reconstruction and data collection. This transition has come about in part, due to the System-on-a-Chip (SoC) methodology from silicon vendors and the encapsulation of significant portions of the system on a single piece of silicon. The result is the removal of the external address and data bus and higher performance. Motorola is a leader in the SoC methodology with the integration of Flash memory technology that allows the application to function without an external memory bus. The requirements in real time applications such as engine management and transmission systems have brought on a new requirement for the embedded processor vendor to provide real time information. The IEEE-ISTO Nexus 5001 Consortium has been working to provide a real time debug and calibration specification and standard to address these issues.