PROCESSOR HAVING REAL-TIME EXECUTION CONTROL FOR DEBUG FUNCTIONS WITHOUT A DEBUG MONITOR

A processor (16) is disclosed that has real-time execution control for debug functions. The processor (16) includes processor circuitry operable to execute embedded code (19) where the embedded code includes background code and foreground code. The processor (16) also includes debug circuitry interfacing with the processor circuitry and operable to communicate with a debug host (12). The debug circuitry is operable to receive a debug halt command from the debug host (12). After receipt of the debug halt command, the processor circuitry is operable to suspend execution of the embedded code (19) to allow debug of the embedded code (19). The processor circuitry is further operable, while execution of the embedded code (19) is suspended, to respond to an enabled interrupt by executing foreground code associated with the enabled interrupt. In one embodiment, the debug circuitry has a run state machine indicating execution control directives by the debug host, and the processor circuitry has an execution state machine indicating execution of instructions by the processor circuitry.