Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a data selection circuit for a general purpose performance counter (“GPPC”) connected to a bus carrying debug data. The data selection circuit is connected to receive the debug data and comprises logic for receiving the debug data as a plurality of N-bit portions of block-aligned data and outputting a designated one of the N-bit portions; and circuitry for providing to the receiving logic a control signal for designating one of the N-bit portions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a match circuit for implementation in a general purpose performance counter (“GPPC”) connected to a bus carrying debug data. The match circuit comprises logic for activating a match signal when a selected N-bit portion of the debug data matches an N-bit threshold for all bits selected by an N-bit match mask (“mmask”).

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a general purpose performance counter (“GPPC”) connected to a bus carrying debug data. The GPPC comprises an AND/OR circuit connected to receive the debug data; a counter circuit connected to receive from the AND/OR circuit an increment signal that, when activated, causes the counter circuit to increment a count; and a compare circuit for activating a match/threshold signal to the AND/OR circuit responsive to a selected block of the debug data having a first relationship to a compare value, wherein the AND/OR circuit activates the increment signal responsive to a selected combination of bits of an events signal being set.