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Embedded Software Works

There are three basic facts about embedded system software and programming that influence the strucuture and capabilities of embedded software works or programming IDEs for C and C++.

  • Embedded systems power on and do a job – nobody ever sees the computer.
  • Real-time response is required – this makes debugging difficult.
  • DSP algorithms are common today – many people don't understand them and even fewer understand how to implement them effectively.
  • Lean product development is common.

 
For an embedded software works or C/C++ IDE to be effective in this kind of environment, it has to offer many things:

  • Eclipse based C/C++ development – a modern standard
  • Vendor based IDE for C/C++ development - often a common tool
  • Soure level and system level debugging including:
    • multithreaded applications
    • processor breakpoints
    • event generation
    • heterogeneous multiprocessor features
    • debugging of Interrupt Service Routines and Device Driver support
    • source and assembly level debugging
    • watch and trace features
    • oscilloscope features for signals
  • DSP RTOS or at a minimum, an RTOS which offers good signal processing options,
  • DSP libraries
  • I/O libraries

 
Ideally a number of other features are also highly desirable:

  • Integration with FPGA solutions
  • Simulation capabilities for the processor and I/O
  • Integration with DSP algorithm development tools
  • Integration with model based development tools

 
Practically speaking, the model based development tools and integration with DSP development tools are in the early stages today. In a few years, this will be more fully developed.
 
From a software engineering point of view, the availability of these tools can lead to a much greater productivity for a given project. Embedded software works actually save both time and money and improve quality if they are properly implemented. The benefits are:

  • Focus on the problem and solution, not building make shift tools.
  • Support for lean product development
  • Fast and easy isolation of defects and anomalies
  • Off the shelf processor, chip and board support
  • Elimination of integration headaches
  • Ability to bring junior people up to speed more quickly – an easier approach.
  • Support for algorithm developers right to test engineers.
  • One easy environment that the whole team understands.

 
DSPnano and the Unison RTOS offers all of this and more.  Get your Unison or DSPnano embedded software works today!