Abstract: Data is collected from one or more collection points on a chip, stored in a buffer and exported from the chip by an export circuit. The export circuit operates in two different modes. In a first mode, referred to as a best effort mode, the export circuit transmits data from the buffer outside the chip when possible and discards data when required to keep the occupancy of the buffer within desired limits. In a second more, referred to as an event mode and operated upon receiving an indication of occurrence of an event in the chip, the export circuit exports all the data in the buffer, belonging to an event window, to outside the chip. In some embodiments, upon completion of the export of the event window, the export circuit returns to the best effort mode.

Abstract: A method of connecting to an integrated circuit. A target integrated circuit (102) is provided with an embedded agent (104) for exporting signals. While the target integrated circuit (102) is operating, data signals from one or more collection points (252) in the integrated circuit (102) are collected by the embedded agent (104), at least at a clock rate of operation of the integrated circuit at the one or more collection points (252), in parallel to the target circuit (102) operation. The collected data signals are inserted into packets, by the embedded agent (104) and the packets are transmitted to a unit external to the integrated circuit, in real time.