News Release from: Computer Solutions
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 20 November 2001

Streamlined debugging for embedded ARMs

Now available from Computer Solutions is the latest model in the Abatron BDI2000 range of high-speed BDM/JTAG debuggers based on GNU software tools.

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Now available from Computer Solutions is the latest model in the Abatron BDI2000 range of high-speed BDM/JTAG debuggers based on GNU software tools. The new model is specifically designed for debugging embedded systems based on the ARM7/9TDMI high-performance 32bit RISC processor family. By using an Ethernet link, the BDI2000 can communicate with the target at up to 2Mbyte/s, and it is possible to load code for debugging at up to 320Kbyte/s.

These high speeds streamline the debugging process for the latest generation of high-performance processors, which often have megabyte memories.

Variable clock speeds are supported, along with target voltages of 1.8-5V.

In addition to the normal GDB functions, the BDI2000 hardware can be used for stand-alone Flash programming of internal Flash memory or EEPROM at rates of up to 170Kbyte/s.

BDM (background debug mode) and JTAG (Joint Test Access Group) are standard on-chip serial interfaces that allow developers to access embedded processors for debugging purposes.

They offer a significantly cheaper solution than in-circuit emulation, and their use of low-pin-count connectors rather than chip interface connectors makes it possible to put a link on every port for flash programming and debugging in the field.

BDM requires no target resources in order to provide complete processor control, including starting, stopping, single-step, run to breakpoint, memory and register read/write and code download.

GNU software, available free over the Internet, provides a low-cost method of compiling programs for 32bit processors, where the manufacturers' tools are often prohibitively expensive for users like universities.

Other models in the BDI2000 range of GNU tools are available for the CPU32/32+, MPC5xx/8xx, PPC6xx/7xx/82xx, MPC7450, PPC4xx, TriCore and ColdFire processors.

A version is als available to work with ARM's own ADS development system.

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