Circular Trace Buffer

System Testing for C

The circular trace buffer memorizes System Testing for C traces and flushes them to the .rio output file when the Virtual Tester ends or at a specified point in the .pts test script.

To activate the circular trace buffer option or to set the size of the buffer, see Test Script Compiler Settings.

How the Circular Buffer Works

During execution of the test node, System Testing accumulates traces in the buffer. When the buffer fills up, new traces replace old ones, as shown in the following diagram, without flushing to file.

Contents of the Buffer

By default, the buffer stores all traces.

Use the TRACE_OFF instruction in your .pts System Testing for C test script to trace only scenario begins and ends, environment blocks, procedure blocks, PRINT instructions, and failed instructions.

Use the TRACE_ON instruction to resume default behavior.

See the Reference section for detailed information on .pts test script instructions.

Flushing the Buffer on the Disk

By default, the buffer is flushed to a file when the Virtual Tester ends.

You may flush the buffer at any point in the .pts test script by using the FLUSH_TRACE instruction.

You cannot call the FLUSH_TRACE instruction, either directly or indirectly, from a CALLBACK or PROCSEND block.

See the Reference section for detailed information on .pts test script instructions.

Note The TRACE_ON, TRACE_OFF and FLUSH_TRACE instructions only apply when the Circular Trace Buffer option is selected.