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Abstract

In order to smooth the entry into a debugging operation using a scan chain of registers in a microprocessor, a method for carrying out debugging procedures. The method comprises providing a processor with a chain of scan registers, a scan interface for interfacing with an external scan controller, a breakpoint interrupt mechanism for executing an interrupt instruction, and a processor clock control mechanism. The method includes detecting or generating a breakpoint in the operation of the processor. The breakpoint interrupt mechanism executes an interrupt instruction as a result of which the processor completes its current instruction, and signals the same to the scan interface. The scan interface asserts a Start Scan signal to the clock signal control mechanism, which whereupon stops the processor clock or clocks. The external scan controller is alerted to start a scan sequence.

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First Claim