Trace32

Trace32 Linux awareness

TRACE32’s Linux Awareness provides advanced debugging capabilities specifically tailored for Linux-based systems.
It enables developers to debug the Linux kernel, modules, and user-space applications with deep insights into the operating system.

Key features include:

1. Kernel Debugging: Access kernel structures, variables, and task states directly.
2. Process Awareness: View and debug individual processes, including their threads, memory, and execution states.
3. Symbolic Debugging: Use symbols and source code for kernel and application debugging.
4. Task-Specific Breakpoints: Set breakpoints on specific tasks or threads for targeted debugging.
5. MMU Support: Handle virtual-to-physical address translations seamlessly.
6. File System and IPC Awareness: Debug file operations and inter-process communication mechanisms.

These capabilities streamline debugging and profiling for embedded Linux systems,
making TRACE32 an essential tool for Linux developers.

How to

After attaching the TRACE32 debugger to the core, a few additional steps are required.
The attach script is typically provided by the vendor or can be found in the chip’s datasheet.
The attachment must be performed in an environment where the Linux kernel has already booted.

First, upload the Linux ELF file.
Next, enable the MMUSPACE option in the debugger.
Finally, register the Linux awareness configuration and menu provided by the TRACE32 PowerView program.

B:: Data.LOAD.elf "path_of_vmlinux" /NoCODE                       ; ... line 1
B:: sYmbol.sourcePATH "invalid_part" "correct_part"               ; ... line 2
B:: SYStem.OPTION MMUSPACES ON                                    ; ... line 3
B:: task.CONFIG * // or "~~/demo/arm/kernel/linux/awareness/linux3.t32"   ; ... line 4
B:: MENU.ReProgram * // or "~~/demo/arm/kernel/linux/awareness/linux.men" ; ... line 5
B:: if !run() go
B:: break

line 1: Load linux elf for reading symbols
line 2: This is used only when the target ELF file is stored in a remote environment, such as NFS or Samba
line 3: MMUSPACES option ON
line 4: Use linux awareness config file
        The parameter example assumes the default execution path of PowerView is located at "T32\bin\windows64"
        You can verify the actual path in your environment using the [B:: cd] command.
line 5: Use linux menu config file
        The parameter example assumes the default execution path of PowerView is located at "T32\bin\windows64"
        You can verify the actual path in your environment using the [B:: cd] command.