초록 ▼

A data processing system, integrated circuit device, program product, and method thereof utilize a service interface to provide external access to a plurality of cores integrated into an integrated circuit device. The service interface, which may be utilized to perform external data transfer through

A data processing system, integrated circuit device, program product, and method thereof utilize a service interface to provide external access to a plurality of cores integrated into an integrated circuit device. The service interface, which may be utilized to perform external data transfer through a service access port in connection with a predetermined service operation, is separate from any function interface that is utilized during regular operation of the device. The service interface includes a plurality of core interface units integrated with selected cores on the device and coupled to the service access port through a master interface unit that is configured to request at least one of the core interface units to initiate execution of a predetermined service operation. As such, a multitude of service operations may be initiated in any number of the cores through a common service access port without occupying a large number of I/O pins and without necessitating interruption of the regular operation of the device.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An integrated circuit device, comprising:(a) a plurality of cores disposed on the integrated circuit device;(b) a function interface coupling at least one of the plurality of cores to a function access port to permit external data transfer with the integrated circuit devi

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An integrated circuit device, comprising:(a) a plurality of cores disposed on the integrated circuit device;(b) a function interface coupling at least one of the plurality of cores to a function access port to permit external data transfer with the integrated circuit device during regular operation thereof, and(c) a service interface coupling the plurality of cores to a service access port to permit external data transfer with the integrated circuit device in connection with a predetermined service operation responsive to a request received over the service interface, the service interface including:(1) a plurality of core interface units integrated with the plurality of cores on the integrated circuit device, each core interface unit coupled to a core from the plurality of cores; and(2) a master interface unit integrated with the plurality of cores on the integrated circuit device, the master interface unit coupled between the service access port and the plurality of core interface units and configured to request at least a selected one of the plurality of core interface units to initiate execution of the predetermined service operation.