Debug mechanisms for a processor circuit

An error-handling processing circuit and system are provided. The system can receive an error signal, such as an interrupt, and decouple (e.g., by a gate signal) a functional clock from a processing block, in some instances effectively halting the processing block's operation. This can prevent a cascade of interdependent errors, thereby avoiding producing redundant or confusing error information. The system can include the processing block, a debug clock not coupled to the processing block, and a data block (e.g., a register file) coupled to the debug clock and to an external input/output interface. The data block can be configured to continue receiving a clock signal via a multiplexer from the debug clock without disruption after the functional clock is decoupled, enabling the data block to remain operational for debugging.