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USB interfaces speed PowerPC development

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Sep 24, 2004

A new range of USB-based interfaces aim to speed up the development and debugging of systems based on the Freescale PowerPC and ColdFire families.

A new range of USB-based interfaces aim to speed up the development and debugging of systems based on the Freescale PowerPC and ColdFire families.

The new products, manufactured by P and E Microcomputer Systems, include USB-based BDM interfaces for the PPC and ColdFire microprocessors and a JTAG interface and development package for the PPC 55xx Nexus family.

The USB interfaces represent a major step forward in terms of user convenience, particularly now that some PCs are being supplied without parallel ports.

The USB interfaces are between three and five times faster than parallel interfaces, and the PPC unit also offers a wider voltage range (1.8-5V).

Another benefit is that they draw power from the USB rather than from the target Both devices are compatible with P and E's in-circuit debugger and Flash programmer software packages to simplify debugging and Flash programming of the target processor.

The development package for the PPC 55xx Nexus family includes a GCC compiler that is configured to be up and running under Windows "straight out of the box".

Including a JTAG interface, the package provides debugging with source code linkage, the ability to change and read memory and registers, breakpoints and to single-step.

It also includes a Flash programmer and quick-start manual.

The USB interfaces cost only GBP 160 (plus VAT) or Eur 240 each, and the Nexus package costs GBP 550 (plus VAT) or Eur 825.

These new products join a range of USB interfaces offered by Computer Solutions, including support for the HCS08, HC12 and HCS12 processors.