What are the best strategies for debugging microcontroller systems with multiple processors?

If you have to debug Multiprocessor based SoC e.g. Cortex A based Networking SoC , you need several tools depending on the development stage : 1: Oscilloscope, Logic analyzer, JTAG based debugger during board bring-up. Analyzer for interfaces like PCIe and USB . Debugging software to use such tools. 2: Enable only one core in the beginning for bootloader and hold other cores. 3: Later you can access your board remotely through ethernet. Some JTAG tools can be also accessed remotely. 4: Next level of debugging may depend on AMP/SMP mode. You should be able to attach to one particular processor through JTAG. 5: If you are debugging OS , then OS aware debugging tools can be helpful. 6: Last is just Application level debugging. GDB can be used

Debugging microcontroller code can be made easier and more effective by using debug statements in your code. These lines of code can print out information to the serial monitor or the terminal, such as the value of a variable, the status of a condition, or the execution of a function.

Utilizing a logic analyzer is pivotal for debugging microcontroller systems with multiple processors. This tool captures and analyzes synchronized digital signals, offering insights into complex interactions. In a plant with diverse processors, it aids in identifying communication issues and ensures harmonious operation. The real-time observation feature is vital for addressing intermittent problems, while the ability to store and analyze extensive data allows for thorough post-analysis, aligning with your proactive approach to maintaining reliability and performance in gas processing operations.

If you are debugging low speed device/system which is working previously. Then 1) Check power supply, mounted and DNP component list & protection circuitry. 2) For each controller check internal LDO & crystal frequency. 3) Check communication interface between two more controller i.e. UART, I2C, SPI etc. 4) Use DSO to check waveforms and communication. 5) Use debugger/code analyzer to look more into firmware related issue.

Debugging a microcontroller system with multiple microprocessors can be complex, but here's a strategy you can follow 1. Test each microprocessor independently. 2. Verify communication interfaces. 3. Implement logging/debugging outputs. 4. Use breakpoints/watchpoints. 5. Consider simulations/emulation. 6. Check power/signal integrity. 7. Ensure firmware-hardware interaction. 8. Modular testing for isolation. 9. Document findings and collaborate. 10. Make incremental changes and test.

For Testing and Debugging 🎯 we can create these test plans in detail: 1. Passive tests (tests without power 🚫) -Verify all the Not Fitted Comps. - Open and Short Circuit tests -Sense Resistors - Important Voltage Dividers Components. - All the important Pull Ups and Pull Down 2. Active Tests without Firmware ✅ -Power Sequence -Voltage Rails -Load Tests -Protection Tests 3. Active Tests with Firmware 🌐 -Signal Integrity -Functional Testings -Control and Logics Testing -Power Integrity Tests...etc

There are different ways to debug single processor or multiple processor embedded systems. 1. User can use GDB, JTAG, OpenOCD and other tools for step by step code debugging to find out any issue from code or execution perspective. 2. There are other tools like valgrind, strace etc which can be used to debug any runtime memory leakage related issues. 3. Unit Testing is also one of best mechanism for over all code analysis perspective. 4. There are many tools from hardware perspective like CRO and other digital tools which can be useful to trace out clocks and other signals from hardware perspective. 5. User can also include few other remote tools to debug remotely in case of IoT based product.

For Easy testing and debugging, it is must to have test points which are easily accessible and must be planned in advance. Additional Debugging Connectors, Shorting Test with Firmware and without Firmware.