Scribd
Upload
22 views12 pages

Embedded C Debugging

The document discusses the art of debugging embedded C code, emphasizing the importance of verifying assumptions and employing various debugging techniques from basic LED patterns to advanced forensic methods like JTAG/SWD. It highlights the necessity of a systematic approach, proactive debugging strategies, and the significance of documentation in the debugging process. Key takeaways include the value of logging infrastructure and the mindset of questioning assumptions while debugging.

Uploaded by

Sivaramireddy Gudise
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
22 views12 pages

Embedded C Debugging

The document discusses the art of debugging embedded C code, emphasizing the importance of verifying assumptions and employing various debugging techniques from basic LED patterns to advanced forensic methods like JTAG/SWD. It highlights the necessity of a systematic approach, proactive debugging strategies, and the significance of documentation in the debugging process. Key takeaways include the value of logging infrastructure and the mindset of questioning assumptions while debugging.

Uploaded by

Sivaramireddy Gudise
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 12

Mastering Embedded C Debugging

• "Debugging embedded code isn't just


stepping through breakpoints—it's an art."
• From Rookie Mistakes to Pro Techniques
The Golden Rule

• "Assume nothing. Verify everything."


• Your code might be perfect, but Murphy's
Law governs embedded systems.
• Hardware and software bugs look identical
until proven otherwise.
Level 1: The Fundamentals

• LED Debugging – Blink patterns are your


first line of defense
• UART/Serial Logging – Your embedded
printf() lifeline
Level 2: Hardware Reality Check

• Logic Analyzers – Protocol decoding,


timing violations
• Oscilloscopes – Power supply noise,
signal integrity
• Multimeters – Sometimes it's just a loose
wire
Level 3: Advanced Forensics

• Assert Macros – Fail fast, fail clearly


• Post-Mortem Analysis – Stack trace
capture, system snapshots
• JTAG/SWD with GDB – Hardware
breakpoints, memory watchpoints
Assert Macro Example

• #define ASSERT(x) if(!(x)) {


• log_error(__FILE__, __LINE__);
• while(1);
• }
• // Usage:
• ASSERT(ptr != NULL);
• ASSERT(value < MAX_LIMIT);
• ASSERT(state == READY_STATE);
Level 4: Proactive Debugging

• Unit Testing – HALs, mock interfaces


• Static Analysis Tools – PC-Lint, Cppcheck,
Coverity
• Code Coverage Analysis – What paths
aren't tested?
Pro Tips from the Trenches

• Build Debug Hooks Early – Add test points


and debug pins
• Version Everything – HW, FW, toolchain
versions
• Reproduce First – Can't fix what you can't
reproduce
• Power Supply First – Many 'bugs' are
power issues
The Debugging Mindset

• Start with the simplest explanation


• Question your assumptions constantly
• Hardware/software bugs look identical
until proven otherwise
• The bug is in the last place you expect
• Prevention > Detection > Correction
ROI Reality Check

• 1 hour debugging in dev = 10 hours saved


in field
• Logging infra pays for itself after the first
field issue
Key Takeaways

• Systematic debugging approach is key


• Use right tool for the right problem
• Start simple, escalate to complex tools
• Document everything – quirks today, bugs
tomorrow
• Best engineers = hardware detectives
Thank You!

• "Questions & Discussion"


• What's your favorite embedded debugging
war story?
• #EmbeddedSystems
#FirmwareEngineering #DebuggingTips
#EmbeddedC

You might also like