Probe for better debugging

In an effort to offer developers the strongest debugging tools for 32-bit, 64-bit, and multiprocessor SOC (system-on-chip) embedded systems, Green Hills Software has developed the Green Hills Probe, which tightly integrates with the company's updated Multi 2000 source-level debugger and IDE (Picture). The host-based Multi debugger works with the probe to upload data from the target processor; run, halt, and reset the processor; read and write the processor's registers and memory; single-step through code; and set breakpoints. You can upgrade the probe in hardware to support trace operations. The logic processing for complex breakpoints resides in the probe, reducing the latency for debugging tasks and the workload of the host. The probe integrates a Web server, simplifying setup, status, and diagnostics compared with the commonly used Telnet window in similar devices.

The embedded 32-bit processor and reconfigurable logic in the probe can support connection with and higher target/host download speeds through various industry-standard debugging ports, including JTAG, EJTAG, control-and-observation port, BDM (background-debugging mode), and enhanced on-chip emulation. The probe supports most major embedded CPU and DSP architectures, including PowerPC; ARM; MIPS 4kc and 5kc; StarCore MSC810x; and Lexra, and works with Solaris, Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000, HP/UX, and Linux hosts via an Ethernet, a USB, or an RS-232 port. In multicore-SOC systems, the probe uses a daisy chain through a single JTAG port to access the cores. The probe operates from a 7 to 15V external dc supply and consumes no target power. You can connect and disconnect it from active target systems operating at 1.5 to 5V.

In addition to tightly integrating with the new probe, Version 3.5 of the Multi 2000 IDE features simplified creation of new projects and the creation of host/target connections. The project builder lets programmers recompile their applications from within the editor if they encounter a compilation error during building. The project wizard steps users through the process of defining new projects, establishing target connections, and exploring and selecting Multi features specific to that project. The target wizard simplifies the debugging connection between the host debugger and the target embedded system by stepping the user through target-processor selection; target connection, such as simulator, ICE, emulation probe, ROM monitor, or on-chip debugging; and the physical-connection media, such as Ethernet, USC, and RS-232. Multi also supports BDM and JTAG on-chip debugging solutions, EST's (www.estc.com) visionICE, Agilent's (www.agilent.com) Processor Probe, ARM's (www.arm.com) EmbeddedICE, and various ROM monitors.

Multi 2000 is available now, and prices start at $5900 for Windows and $9900 for Unix versions. The Green Hills Probe is also available now and costs $2990.

Green Hills Software, 1-805-965-6044, www.ghs.com.