[Open-graphics] protocol, file format, and library for PCI analyzer

[Dieter]

> >>>         1) a data gatherer on the OGD1 itself
> >>>
> >>>         2) a program to control the data gatherer and upload data
> >>>
> >>>         3) a program to display the data

> >>> We need a protocol for communication between 1 and 2.
> >>>
> >>>         specify trigger condition
> >>>         specify capture window start and stop times relative to trigger
> >>>         specify which signals to capture
> >>>       
> >> I think we would usually capture them all.  The best you could do is
> >> shave off a few bits.
> >>     
> >
> > I'm not familiar with the signals on the PCI bus.  Would it always be
> > necessary to look at the data bits, or would the control lines be
> > sufficient in most cases?  If you can eliminate 32 or 64 signals
> > then the data would upload faster.  And potentially allow storing more
> > samples in memory.
> >
> >   
> You pretty much have to have the address, and probably the data too, but
> since they are the same lines, if you are capturing one you get the
> other "for free".

Okay, let's move "specify which signals to capture" to the "probably
not worth doing" list.

> > 2 and 3 might be running on different machines.
>
> KISS.  Properly written it would be reasonably straight forward to put a
> network interface between 2 and 3.  But we need working software more
> than we need to cover every possible feature and use case.

I think it will be possible to seperate 2 and 3 without violating KISS
or making the project take longer.  In fact, I think it will get us
there faster and safer.