AN 886: Intel® Agilex™ Device Design Guidelines

ID 683634
Date 8/26/2022
Public

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Document Table of Contents

8.1.1. Planning Guidelines for Debugging Tools

Table 106.  Planning Guidelines for Debugging Tools Checklist
Number Done? Checklist Item
1   Select on-chip debugging schemes early to plan memory and logic requirements, I/O pin connections, and board connections.
2   If you want to use Signal Probe incremental routing, the Signal Tap Embedded Logic Analyzer, Logic Analyzer Interface, In-System Memory Content Editor, In-System Sources and Probes, or Virtual JTAG IP core, plan your system and board with JTAG connections that are available for debugging.
3   Plan for the small amount of additional logic resources used to implement the JTAG hub logic for JTAG debugging features.
4   For debugging with the Signal Tap Embedded Logic Analyzer, reserve device memory resources to capture data during system operation. Ensure that the JTAG signals have a clean timing.
5   Reserve I/O pins for debugging with Signal Probe or the Logic Analyzer Interface so you do not have to change the design or board to accommodate debugging signals later.
6   Ensure the board supports a debugging mode where debugging signals do not affect system operation.
7   Incorporate a pin header or mictor connector as required for an external logic analyzer or mixed signal oscilloscope.
8   To use debug tools incrementally and reduce compilation time, ensure incremental compilation is on so you do not have to recompile the design to modify the debug tool.
9   To use the Virtual JTAG IP core for custom debugging applications, instantiate it in the HDL code as part of the design process.
10   To use the In-System Sources and Probes feature, instantiate the IP core in the HDL code.
11   To use the In-System Memory Content Editor for RAM or ROM blocks, turn on the Allow In-System Memory Content Editor to capture and update content independently of the system clock option for the memory block in the IP catalog.

If you intend to use any of the on-chip debugging tools, plan for the tool(s) when developing the system board, Intel® Quartus® Prime project, and design.

For more information about debug tools, please refer to Intel® Quartus® Prime Pro Edition User Guide: Debug Tools.