International Business Machines Corporation

Thomas Joseph Irene

James Norris Dieffenderfer

Thomas Andrew Sartorius

Jeffrey Todd Bridges

Thomas Kevin Collopy

Harry I Linzer

A system and method for tracing program code within a processor having an embedded cache memory. The non-invasive tracing technique minimizes the need for trace information to be broadcast externally. The tracing technique monitors changes in instruction flow from the normal execution stream of the code. The tracing technique monitors the updating of processor branch target register contents in order to monitor branch target flow of the code. A FIFO and serial logic circuitry is utilized to minimize the number of chip pins required to broadcast the information from the chip. The tracing technique utilizes instruction and data breakpoint debug functions to signal an external trace tool that a trace event has occurred.

Growing community of inventors

Raleigh, NC, United States of America

Thomas Joseph Irene