The error message "debug port fail" can occur with TRACE32 for ARC under the following circumstances:

• The core cannot be stopped during SYStem.UP.
  TRACE32 attempts to stop the core for up to 1000 ms, but the core does not stop.
  Try using SYStem.Mode Attach instead of SYStem.Mode Up.

• The ARC debug interface reports an error.
  The JTAG Status Register of the ARC debug interface indicates an error by setting the Failure bit.
  Try reducing the JTAG clock frequency, for example:

  SYStem.JtagClock CTCK 1MHz

• A read or write transaction to or from the ARC core does not complete.
  The JTAG Status Register does not indicate the Ready bit within 1000 ms. Re-initializing the read/write transaction and waiting another 1000 ms does not resolve the problem either.
  Try reducing the JTAG clock frequency, for example:

  SYStem.JtagClock CTCK 1MHz

  Also, disable or disconnect any external source that frequently resets the ARC core, such as a watchdog timer