Abstract: Elements of the inventive development system include hardware and software objects. These objects can be instanced, ordered, parameterized, and connected in a software environment to implement different functions. Once in software, the description defines the topology and the properties of a set of objects and hence the overall function. These objects are hierarchically composed from a set of primitive objects. By using a piece of hardware that can model any primitive object set as pre-established encapsulated hardware objects, the topology and properties define a piece of hardware that can perform the desired, implemented, functions. Using embodiments of the invention, circuit designers can design hardware systems with little or no knowledge of hardware or hardware design, requiring only a high-level software description.

Abstract: A debug network on a multiprocessor array having multiple clock domains includes a backbone communication channel which communicates with information nodes on the channel. The information nodes store and access information about an attached processor. The nodes are also coupled to registers within the attached processor, which operate at the speed of the processor. A master controller solicits information from the information nodes by sending messages along the backbone. If a message requires interaction with a processor register, the node performs the action by synchronizing to the local processor clock.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system of communicating, data within an integrated circuit. Multiple components, or channels, can share common physical communication lines between elements within the system. In some aspect, only one component can access the physical lines at a given time and a selection device chooses which component is active on the physical lines and makes the appropriate connection to the lines. The selection and connection can be completed without requiring or reporting information to the components, and is thus transparent.

Abstract: A debug network on a multiprocessor array includes communication channels, a master controller, and one or more individual debug units in communication with one or more of the processors. The master controller solicits information from the debug units by sending messages along the communication channels. The debug units can control some aspects of the processors, and can simply report on other aspects. By using commands to invoke processor action, then accessing the result, interactive debugging of a multiprocessor array is possible.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system for configuring a processor array using configuration chains streamed down communication channels.