TMS320F28375S: Ability to manipulate debug unit in code

colton murphy

Part Number: TMS320F28375S

We have a scenario where we want to be able to manipulate the debug unit in software, namely set watchpoints in software. Traditionally, breakpoints, watchpoints, etc.. can be set within CCS; however, there are cases when this is not enough. For example, we only want a watchpoint active during a certain block of code. Another example is that we want to set a watchpoint on an address that is only known at runtime before a block of code is executed.

I have set watchpoints & breakpoints in software using Cortex M microcontrollers in the past as the debug unit is memory mapped and available to the CPU via the private peripheral bus.

I have looked through available documentation but cannot find any information on a debug register set that could be used in software. Is it possible to do with our chip and can documentation be provided?

7 months ago

0 Vivek Singh 7 months ago

TI__Guru** 112935 points

Hi,

I don't think we have this feature available on this device but let me talk to some other experts in our team and get back to you.

Vivek Singh

0 colton murphy 7 months ago in reply to Vivek Singh

Prodigy 10 points

How exactly are breakpoints & watchpoints being set within the IDE? Is the debug unit only accessible to a debugger through the JTAG port and not the CPU?

0 Vivek Singh 7 months ago in reply to colton murphy

TI__Guru** 112935 points

It's through debug unit which I think is not directly accessible from CPU.

0 Chris Yorkey 7 months ago in reply to Vivek Singh

TI__Genius 15155 points

Hi Vivek,

One thing we are trying to determine is if the CTOOLS lib could perhaps provide this functionality? I suspect not, but here's the context behind it:

We believe what is being asked for is the ability to set watchpoints from your target application. We used to have a target library that could be used to control some of the emulation functionality from your code. It was called ctoolslib. Based on the name, I assume this would only apply to ctools enabled devices which are limited and not (we believe) including this C2000 variant.

All that being said, we suspect this ctoolslib was not supporting C2000 variants as it looks like ctoolslib is only supported on a few devices (mostly larger ones that supported trace): https://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/CToolsLib

Any additional input/confirmation welcomed.

Secondly, if this assumption is correct are there any other ways to accomplish this level of debug? That would be helpful for Colton also.

TY,

0 Vivek Singh 7 months ago in reply to Chris Yorkey

TI__Guru** 112935 points

Chris,

I don't think CTOOLS is supported for C2000 devices. For breakpoint, user can use the EMUSTOP command in their code but not for watchpoint.

Vivek Singh

0 Chris Yorkey 7 months ago in reply to Vivek Singh

TI__Genius 15155 points

Hi Vivek,

The compiler team also alluded to the same - so I believe we are aligned.

If the customer can use this as a workaround, that would be great. Thank you for suggesting.

If not, they can feel free to reply directly to me offline if they prefer, or via a response to this e2e thread.

Then, I believe after that we can probably close this thread out.

Thank you all,

Chris

0 Vivek Singh 7 months ago in reply to Chris Yorkey

TI__Guru** 112935 points

Thanks. Mean while I'll also check with other expert if there is any other method available to enable this.

0 Vivek Singh 7 months ago in reply to Vivek Singh

TI__Guru** 112935 points

Chris,

Unfortunately we do not have this capability. Hope customer was able to use some other workaround.

Vivek Singh

0 Chris Yorkey 7 months ago in reply to Vivek Singh

TI__Genius 15155 points

Thank you for following up Vivek.

We can close this thread now I think.

Regards,

Chris

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TMS320F28375S: Ability to manipulate debug unit in code