Test and Debug

Test and Debug capabilities in a processor are very important in making sure that the processor meets the quality goals. It is necessary to have a versatile and comprehensive test and debug methodology. The main test and debug features of UltraSPARC-III were implemented such as to provide economical testing during test, debug and manufacturing phases of the chip.

The major standard that is used for testing and debugging is IEEE Std. 1149.1. This was used to create new features and make enhancements with respect to previous UltraSPARC processors to improve the test and debug features on UltraSPARC-III. Some of the additions, were however, specifically requested by product, system and manufacturing groups. Some of the new features that were added are: on-line debug, access to chip identification registers, dealing with more complex I/Os.