On-chip breakpoints can be removed by the kernel during boot:

• The Linux kernel resets on Arm the breakpoints as well as the Vector Catch Register (VCR) when booting if CONFIG_HAVE_HW_BREAKPOINT is enabled in the kernel configuration. See arch//kernel/hw_breakpoint.c. This can be detected on Armv8 by enabling the option TrOnchip.Set TDA ON.

• A similar problem can also be seen on Intel x86 when the debug registers are cleared during boot. Please refer to arch/x86/include/asm/debugreg.h. This can be detected by enabling the option TrOnchip.Set GeneralDetect ON.