A distributed adaptive debugger server

Abstract

A model and corresponding protocol suitable for debugging distributed embedded systems is developed. Protocol design issues and a formal model of the debugger server are defined with the intent of developing an extensible debug server to aid the development of dynamically retargettable debug clients suitable for application to heterogeneous distributed systems.

The thesis considers one of the major problems faced in embedded systems, that of dynamic configuration of system components. The namespace model described solves these issues in a way that provides for the development of dynamic “hot insertion, plug and play” systems. This model is applied throughout the design of the protocol toward the development of debug services.

The model is formally developed using the specification language, VDM-SL. Specifications of the model are given implicitly and then derived to an explicit executable form except for target-dependencies. Informal correctness proofs are carried out where necessary to show that the transformation from implicit to explicit form is valid and that the model and protocols themselves are valid. The specifications have been syntax and type checked using the IFAD VDM Toolbox; a CASE tool based on the 1996 ISO VDM-SL standard that provides an environment for the development and testing of VDM-SL specifications.