Applied Microsystems Corporation

Marvin T Johnson

A source-level run-time software code debugging instrument (10) includes target access probe ('TAP') (12) and communications adapter ('COMDAP') (14) that process emulation commands provided by source-level debugging software operating on a host computer. The TAP includes a TAP CPU (28) that receives target CPU input signals and delivers target CPU output signals for controlling the execution of software code by the target circuit in accordance with command signals provided by the host computer. The TAP also includes programmable logic cell array (24) and RAM (34). The TAP logic cell array routes command and data signals to and from the TAP CPU, and the RAM stores an in-circuit emulation ('ICE') program used by the TAP to operate the target circuit. The COMDAP is physically separate from the TAP and provides an interface between the host computer and the TAP. The COMDAP includes a programmable logic cell array (44) and an EPROM (46). The COMDAP logic cell array routes command and data signals to and from the COMDAP, and the EPROM stores the commands for configuring the signal paths within the TAP and COMDAP logic cell arrays and stores the TAP ICE program. A flat cable assembly (16) provides a high-speed signal communications link between the TAP and the COMDAP. The TAP uses certain microprocessor signal features and source-level debugging software that runs on the host computer to provide a software engineer with a fully transparent window into the internal functioning of the TAP CPU while executing code in the target circuit environment.

Source-level run-time software code debugging instrument

A source-level run-time software code debugging instrument (10) includes a target access probe ('TAP') (12) and a communications adapter ('COMDAP') (14) that process emulation commands provided by source-level debugging software operating on a host computer. The TAP includes a TAP CPU (28) that receives target CPU input signals and delivers target CPU output signals for controlling the execution of software code by the target circuit in accordance with command signals provided by the host computer. The TAP also includes a programmable logic cell array (24) and a RAM (34). The TAP logic cell array routes command and data signals to and from the TAP CPU, and the RAM stores an in-circuit emulation ('ICE') program used by the TAP to operate the target circuit. The COMDAP is physically separate from the TAP and provides an interface between the host computer and the TAP. The COMDAP includes a programmable logic cell array (44) and an EPROM (46). The COMDAP logic cell array routes command and data signals to and from the COMDAP, and the EPROM stores the commands for configuring the signal paths within the TAP and COMDAP logic cell arrays and stores the TAP ICE program. A flat cable assembly (16) provides a high-speed signal communications link between the TAP and the COMDAP. The TAP uses certain microprocessor signal features and source-level debugging software that runs on the host computer to provide a software engineer with a fully transparent window into the internal functioning of the TAP CPU while executing code in the target circuit environment.

Source-level in-circuit software code debugging instrument

An electrical connector (10) provides mechanical coupling and electrical contact between the multiple wires (12) of a flat cable assembly (14) and multiple electrically conductive pads (18) of a printed circuit board (16). The electrical connector includes a substantially rigid electrically nonconductive spacing element (30) having first and second opposed side margins (32 and 34) that include respective comb-like portions (35a and 35b) shaped in alternating tabs (36) and slots (40). The slots and tabs are adapted to respectively receive and hold in spaced-apart relation the wires of the flat cable assembly. A resilient material (42) that is electrically conductive in directions only substantially parallel to a conduction axis (44) is secured between the substrate and the spaced-apart wires held by the spacing element. The resilient material provides multiple separate electrically conductive pathways between the wires and the conductive pads. An alternative electrical connector (90) includes a support element (92) having multiple spaced-apart tongues (98) that fit into grooves (118) in a support block (93). Channels (104) in the leading edges (102) of the tongues guide the wires of the flat cable assembly into the support block, which secures the wires in place and has in the bottom thereof openings (124) through which the wires protrude for electrical contact with the printed circuit board.

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Bothell, WA, United States of America

Marvin T Johnson