Abstract: A data processing apparatus and method for generating trace elements is provided. The data processing apparatus comprises a device for performing a sequence of operations including memory operations on data values having associated data addresses. For at least some of the memory operations the data address is determined relative to an architectural state value of an item of architectural state of the device. Trace logic is provided for receiving indications of the sequence of operations being performed by the device, and for generating from the indications a stream of trace elements. When for a memory operation the data address is determined to have been determined relative to an architectural state value of the item of the architectural state, the trace logic is operable dependent on that item of architectural state to omit at least one of a data address indication and a data value indication from the stream of trace elements generated in respect of that memory operation.

Abstract: A trace data system is provided in which flush request signals are generated and passed to trace data sources to trigger them to output any buffered trace data they are storing which was generated prior to the flush request being signalled. When the trace data has been flushed from these trace data sources, they signal this by generating a flush complete signal. The flushing of trace data may advantageously be performed prior to a power-down operation and using a trace bus bridge.