Abstract: A method for retrieving selected, predetermined data values using a logic analyzer and data visibility macros. The predetermined data values result from data operations that occur internally to the target processor. The data visibility macros send the data values via the external bus so that the logic analyzer may retrieve them for display. The data visibility macro is essentially a code marker, the difference being that a data visibility macro is used by the logic analyzer to retrieve data value information. The present method comprises the steps of inserting a data visibility macro into software code that is resident in the processor, compiling the code, writing the selected data values to an external bus, and using the logic analyzer to retrieve and display the data values.

Abstract: A timing or logic state analyzer automatically places marks into a captured trace measurement. The definition of each mark may include an associated collection of logical conditions in the captured data. Once the trace measurement is complete the analyzer searches through the captured data, locates where any defined conditions occur and adds the associated mark into the corresponding location of the reconstructed waveforms or trace list. Certain marks may be placed at each occurrence of a specified event in the trace, while other marks are restricted to placement at the first occurrence. Marks can be defined in terms of prior and subsequent occurrence of other marks, or of other features in the trace such as a user positionable cursor or a stated sample number. The definition of the marks need not be specified prior to the trace measurement, and an existing trace measurement already captured can be examined and re-examined with different marking schemes without repeating the overall trace measurement.