Interrupt status indicators allow computer programs to be debugged during checkout and provide a quick-look analysis for updating. Computer coupled indicator lamps and lamp driver circuitry register program malfunctions in priority interrupt controlled programs

Garcia, G.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

June 1970
	
Brief 70-10308 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U .S. space program. They are issued to encourage commercial 
application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical 
Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Division, NASA, Code UT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Visual Device to Assist Computer Program Debugging 
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This digital computer programming aid provides a 
means of visual information which enables an operator 
to debug computer programs during program check-
out. Previously, an operator often had to dump core, 
and trace the program until the error was found, con-
suming a good deal of time and increasing the prob-
ability of human error. By means of interrupt status 
indicators, the operator can debug his program during
checkout, observe the status of his program at any 
time, and during real-time simulation, provide a 
quick-look analysis for updating and related purposes. 
The device consists of computer-coupled indicator 
lamps and lamp driver circuitry which register pro-
gram malfunctions in priority interrupt controlled 
programs. The interrupt indicator may be a useful 
addition to the system status console of medium-to-
large computers, and should be of interest to pro-
grammers, and designers and manufacturers of digital 
computers and related hardware. 
The interrupt status indicators must be used by 
operating personnel and therefore should be near 
the computer control console. The panel is designed 
according to the number of interrupts contained by 
the system. The driving amplifiers consist of a tran-
sistor and several resistors and capacitors. The only 
constraint associated with the device is that the cable 
length between the interrupt chassis and driving ampli-
fier must be less than six feet. As shown in the figure, 
indicators display the four states of interrupt: armed, 
waiting, active and history. 
Note: 
Requests for further information may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Manned Spacecraft Center, Code BM7 
Houston, Texas 77058 
Reference: 870-10308 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: Genovevo Garcia of 
North American Rockwell Corporation 
under contract to 
Manned Spacecraft Center 
(MSC-15833) 
Category 09 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
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Visual device to assist computer program debugging

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