Design and implementation of a debugging system for OpenRISC processor

A gdb-based debugging system for OpenRISC1200 Processor based on IEEE1149.1 JTAG interface is developed. Unlike usual gdb-based embedded debugging systems, this system uses the hardware debugging modules in OpenRISC1200 Processor to extend GDB. Its debugging agent doesn’t work on the target but on the host computer, so it can work well without any target operating system support. In this paper, the system’s general frame design and realization of the main modules are explained in detail. It is verified by both FPGA prototype emulation and software simulation. It establishes a good foundation for further development on OpenRISC.