Universal debugging method for multi-ISA compatibility in GEC embedded systems
Ying Ping Qian, Mingrui Li, Xiang Yu, Yihuai Wang · IET conference proceedings. · 2025
We propose a universal debugging method based on serial communication for multi-ISA compatibility in embedded systems, where traditional debugging techniques often rely on specialized software and hardware. Targeting the General Embedded Computer (GEC) platform, the proposed method addresses the challenges of heterogeneous instruction sets and limited hardware resources, integrates a BIOS-based debugging function, machine_trap_handler, with a structured set of extensible debugging instructions, enabling precise control over program execution flow while maintaining compatibility across diverse ISAs. The IDE performs static code analysis to identify optimal insertion points for debugging functions, leveraging an AST generated by a compiler front-end to ensure accuracy in variable and line identification. Communication between the IDE and the BIOS is facilitated through UART, enabling real-time transmission of debugging instructions and status updates. Our approach significantly reduces the overhead associated with cross-ISA debugging, providing a scalable and hardware-agnostic solution. The experimental results demonstrate its effectiveness in improving debugging efficiency and reducing development time, making it particularly valuable for embedded systems with constrained resources. This work contributes a novel framework that bridges the gap between software-based and hardware-assisted debugging, offering a practical tool for developers working on multi-ISA platforms.