
48
XMEGA C3 [DATASHEET]
8492F–AVR–07/2013
28.
Programming and Debugging
28.1
Features
 Programming
 External programming through PDI interface
 Minimal protocol overhead for fast operation
 Built-in error detection and handling for reliable operation
 Boot loader support for programming through any communication interface
 Debugging
 Nonintrusive, real-time, on-chip debug system
 No software or hardware resources required from device except pin connection
 Program flow control
 Go, Stop, Reset, Step Into, Step Over, Step Out, Run-to-Cursor
 Unlimited number of user program breakpoints
 Unlimited number of user data breakpoints, break on:
 Data location read, write, or both read and write
 Data location content equal or not equal to a value
 Data location content is greater or smaller than a value
 Data location content is within or outside a range
 No limitation on device clock frequency
 Program and Debug Interface (PDI)
 Two-pin interface for external programming and debugging
 Uses the Reset pin and a dedicated pin
 No I/O pins required during programming or debugging
28.2
Overview
The Program and Debug Interface (PDI) is an Atmel proprietary interface for external programming and on-chip
debugging of a device.
The PDI supports fast programming of nonvolatile memory (NVM) spaces; flash, EEPOM, fuses, lock bits, and the user
signature row.
Debug is supported through an on-chip debug system that offers nonintrusive, real-time debug. It does not require any
software or hardware resources except for the device pin connection. Using the Atmel tool chain, it offers complete
program flow control and support for an unlimited number of program and complex data breakpoints. Application debug
can be done from a C or other high-level language source code level, as well as from an assembler and disassembler
level.
Programming and debugging can be done through the PDI physical layer. This is a two-pin interface that uses the Reset
pin for the clock input (PDI_CLK) and one other dedicated pin for data input and output (PDI_DATA). Any external
programmer or on-chip debugger/emulator can be directly connected to this interface.