Alpha Microprocessors Motherboard Debug Monitor User's Guide

This document is the "Alpha Microprocessors Motherboard Debug Monitor User’s Guide" from Compaq Computer Corporation, published in April 1999.

Purpose: It serves as a comprehensive guide detailing the software features and capabilities of the Debug Monitor, which provides essential monitoring and debugging functionalities for customers developing on Alpha microprocessor motherboards (specifically Alpha 21264 and Alpha 21164 series). It aims to support software and hardware development for these Alpha-based systems.

Key Features and Capabilities of the Debug Monitor:

• Code Loading: Allows downloading files via serial, Ethernet, floppy drive, and ROM.
• Memory and Register Management: Enables examination and modification of motherboard system registers, CPU internal processor registers (IPRs), I/O mapped registers, and DRAM.
• Code Analysis: Supports disassembling CPU instructions in memory.
• Execution Control: Facilitates transferring control to programs loaded into memory, native debugging (including breakpoints and single-stepping).
• Remote Debugging: Offers full source-level debugging in conjunction with the DIGITAL Ladebug debugger running on a remote Tru64 UNIX host system, communicating over Ethernet.
• Utilities: Provides commands for displaying system information, setting communication parameters, and performing diagnostic tests.

Host System Recommendation: An Alpha system running Windows NT or Tru64 UNIX is recommended for software development, with Tru64 UNIX supporting essential protocols like BOOTP for image downloading and Ladebug for remote debugging.

Document Structure: The guide is organized into sections covering an introduction to the Debug Monitor, detailed instructions for getting started and configuring the system, guidance on remote debugging (including programming guidelines and Ladebug options), and a comprehensive reference of all Debug Monitor user commands. It also includes information on customer support and related Alpha documentation.