Method and apparatus for debugging a data processing system

A data processing system (10) includes a CPU (12) and debug circuitry (16). CPU (12) can execute instructions which provide direct input to one or more of trigger circuitry (32), multi-function debug counters (34), combining logic (36), and action select and control logic (38). Breakpoints can be cascaded, and separate breakpoint sequences can be triggered from a same trigger. A selected trigger (117) can produce a resulting action or trigger (119) but only if it occurs in a predetermined order compared to one or more other triggers (117). Multi-function debug counters (34) can perform a wide variety of programmable functions, can be started and stopped using the same or separate triggers, and can be optionally concatenated with each other.