Abstract: An emulation system for performing an on-circuit emulation operation of a component in a data processing system is described. The component includes a plurality of pins coupled to the remaining circuitry of the data processing system. An emulator is coupled to the remaining circuitry in the same manner as that the component is coupled to the remaining circuitry for issuing an on-circuit emulation control signal to one of the plurality of pins of the component to place the component in an on-circuit emulation mode and for performing the on-circuit emulation operation of the component. A reset circuit is coupled to a reset input of the component and a reset input of the emulator for generating a reset signal to reset the component and the emulator. When the reset signal is in a first voltage state, the component and the emulator are in a reset state. When the reset signal reaches a second voltage state, the component and the emulator exit the reset state.