Embodiments include methods for performing various operations in a computing system that includes an electronic module and a debug circuit. The method includes programming the debug circuit to monitor for pre-selected triggers produced by the computing system, and to perform actions in response to detecting the pre-select triggers. For example, in response to various pre-selected triggers, the debug circuit may, among other things: perform state transitions and log information indicating whether or not the state transitions were performed; monitor various signals when the debug circuit has determined that a test escape has occurred; and/or perform one or more actions that initiate stopping one or more clocks in response to certain pre-selected triggers.