FPGA Debugging Skill

Overview

Expert skill for on-chip debugging using Integrated Logic Analyzer (ILA), Virtual I/O (VIO), and related debug infrastructure for FPGA designs.

Capabilities

• Insert Integrated Logic Analyzer (ILA) probes
• Configure trigger conditions and capture depth
• Design Virtual I/O (VIO) debug interfaces
• Analyze captured waveforms
• Use ChipScope/SignalTap for debugging
• Debug timing and functional issues in hardware
• Remove debug logic for production builds
• Configure JTAG and debug hub

Target Processes

• fpga-on-chip-debugging.js
• functional-simulation.js
• design-for-testability.js

Usage Guidelines

ILA Insertion

• Identify critical signals to probe
• Consider capture depth vs. resource usage
• Group related signals in single ILA
• Use mark_debug attribute for HDL signals
• Configure appropriate data and trigger widths

Trigger Configuration

• Use basic triggers for simple conditions
• Apply advanced triggers for complex patterns
• Combine triggers with AND/OR logic
• Configure trigger position in capture window
• Use storage qualification for efficient capture

VIO Usage

• Create debug control interfaces
• Inject test patterns dynamically
• Override internal signals
• Monitor status in real-time
• Useful for bring-up and characterization

Debug Infrastructure

• Connect debug hub to JTAG
• Configure clock domain for debug logic
• Plan for multiple ILA instances
• Consider debug access port routing
• Document debug signal mapping

Production Considerations

• Use ifdef guards for debug logic
• Create debug and release build flows
• Minimize debug impact on timing
• Remove debug before final release
• Maintain debug build configurations

Dependencies

• Debug tool CLI (hw_server, etc.)
• JTAG connectivity
• Vendor debug IP knowledge