Method and apparatus for providing address breakpoints, branch breakpoints, and single stepping

摘要

A method and apparatus for providing address breakpoints, branch breakpoints, and single stepping is described. According to one aspect of the invention, a processor is provided which generally includes an execution unit, a first storage area, and an address breakpoint unit. The execution unit recognizes a first debug event in response to the execution of an instruction which causes a branch to be taken. The first storage area has stored therein information. The address breakpoint unit is coupled to the first storage area to receive the information. The address breakpoint unit is also coupled to the execution unit to receive addresses. The address breakpoint unit determines whether the addresses it receives form the execution unit are identified by the information. The execution unit recognizes a second debug event when the address breakpoint unit indicates one of these addresses is identified by the information.