Method and system for formatting hardware trace in trace arrays

A method and a system is proposed for formatting trace arrays contents obtained by capturing trace data within trace arrays using a wrap back window during compression mode within which trace data are stored circularly. Following formatting bits are used: Array Wrap Flag (AWF) bit toggling between two values at each array wrap around when wrap back window is left; Wrap Back Counter (WBC) counting the number of wrap backs within the wrap back window. And the method comprises the steps of determining the number of AWF toggles within the trace array and accordingly unwrap the trace array contents by starting with the row of the trace array contents corresponding to the toggling of AWF and determining a row within wrap back window with WBC toggling and if present unwrap wrap back window by reordering the rows of the trace array contents according to an ascending order of the value from the WBC.