Embedded target aids automatic code generation

The MathWorks has developed the Embedded Target for Motorola MPC555, an innovative tool for design engineers using Matlab and Simulink.

The MathWorks has developed the Embedded Target for Motorola MPC555, an innovative tool for design engineers using Matlab and Simulink.

This tool will accelerate embedded product development on the MPC555 platform by providing the ability to test, analyse and refine automatically generated code from The MathWorks Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder directly on the microcontroller.

Prior to Embedded Target for Motorola MPC555, designing with 32bit microcontrollers could be a lengthy process.

Engineers could spend three months or more developing code suitable for use on the Motorola MPC555 microcontroller.

By using this latest tool from The MathWorks in conjunction with the company's Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder, the time it takes to generate and deploy the code is radically shortened.

It now takes only minutes to automatically generate the code, download it, and get it running on a third-party evaluation board.

"Unlike manual coding methods, the Embedded Target for Motorola MPC555 provides a quick start for running generated code on the MPC555 microcontroller and analysing the code's performance", said Dave Maclay, Principal Engineer, embedded systems, The MathWorks.

"By extending Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder's code generation and customisation capabilities to the MPC555 platform, we can significantly reduce a company's time-to-market, saving months of work in some cases".

Embedded Target for MPC555 allows users to perform several additional functions that provide all the pieces necessary for designers to deploy their code.

These functions include: processor-in-the-loop cosimulation, which provides engineers with the ability to evaluate software running on the processor; mid- to late-cycle design, analysis and refinement for production microcontrollers, which allows for the fine-tuning of algorithms and the ability to make feature enhancements to product designs currently in production, enabling users to avoid capital expenditures for generic target rapid prototyping tools; and application deployment, which provides initialisation and driver software for the MPC555 processor, allowing the application to run either on an evaluation board or on hardware that will be used in production.

"This sophisticated programming tool enables users to quickly harness the performance and feature capabilities of the MPC555", said Dr.Kevin Klein, 32bit Standard Products Marketing Manager, Motorola.

"Combined with the 448Kbyte of on-chip Flash, this tool enables the user not only to rapidly generate code, but to also create quick and reliable field updates.

Motorola is glad to be working with leading tools suppliers like The MathWorks.

The fact that The MathWorks has chosen the MPC555 for the introductory product for this family reflects their belief in this microcontroller product family".

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