Embedded System Development Software

[Fandu]

I'm interested in developing some small embedded systems just for my own benefit and to see how this stuff is actually done. I'm a 3rd year EE major, and I've done nearly everything except full system logic testing, layout, & pcb design, etc. I have a project in mind that would include a HCS12 microcontroller along with a few controllers, D/A's, etc. My question is what software does the industry use for actually designing a system and doing the layouts and board design, etc.

 

[blahblah99]

Usually manufacturers of microcontrollers have their own development software. If it is a low-level language development software, then the majority of the time there will be third party c/c++ compilers available for that microcontroller. Debugging and programming can be done with a debugger, or JTAG, if the MCU has capabilities. The way I do embedded systems design is:

1. Obtain a development kit for that microcontroller.
2. Play around with the software, debugger, hardware and learn it.
3. Decide what additional peripherals/addons you will need.
4. Write snippets of code that you can re-use later and make sure it works robustly.
5. Layout the design in a schematic editor, and/or include a debugger/JTAG connector if available (it will simplify your life). I use PCAD. You can use Orcad, Eagle, etc etc.
6. Import the schematic into a pcb editor, layout the board. Again, I use PCAD.
7. Route the board, either by hand, or use an autorouter. Again, I use PCAD to place components, and SPECCTRA to auto-route with rules and constraints that I give it.
8. Send routed board out for manufacturing - lots of online places that'll make prototype boards for $100.
9. Obtain parts and stuff board.
10. Test board and code.

Hopes this helps!

 

[Fandu]

blahblah99, thanks for the information. OK, so I've downloaded a trial of P-CAD and it doesn't look too bad. Now do I have to create symbols for the micro's I want to use? Or does there exist a library of everything imaginable? I'm thinking about using the Motorola HCS12 right now.

 

[blahblah99]

There should be a motorola library that comes with pcad... you have to add it in the library setup though. I usually just make my own symbols/footprints so I can seperate the vdd/gnd pins and analog/digital pins in the schematics.

 

[ScottMac]

Motorola has some "starter kits" that include a dev board, processor, and a copy of "Code Warrior" (their (third party) IDE.

It's not too bad.

You may also want to look at the Microchip PICs, they're very popular, have a very small (but very efficient) command set in assembly, and there are several C (and even BASIC and FORTH) compilers for it.

Atmel is also very popular, as is the Z80 Enocre! and Acclaim! chips.

All of the above can be had from the respective manufacturers with dev boards and IDEs prettty cheap (except the Acclaim!, which can be 100's of dollars for the kit).

My favorite so far is the Microchip PIC. I have a CCS C compiler, and ATOM MBASIC compiler for 'em (and a variety of development boards).

Good Luck

Scott

 

[Mday]

Originally posted by: Fandu
I'm interested in developing some small embedded systems just for my own benefit and to see how this stuff is actually done. I'm a 3rd year EE major, and I've done nearly everything except full system logic testing, layout, & pcb design, etc. I have a project in mind that would include a HCS12 microcontroller along with a few controllers, D/A's, etc. My question is what software does the industry use for actually designing a system and doing the layouts and board design, etc.

I suggest asking your professors. They would know. And they would be able to help you personally.

 

[Fandu]

Originally posted by: Mday

Originally posted by: Fandu
I'm interested in developing some small embedded systems just for my own benefit and to see how this stuff is actually done. I'm a 3rd year EE major, and I've done nearly everything except full system logic testing, layout, & pcb design, etc. I have a project in mind that would include a HCS12 microcontroller along with a few controllers, D/A's, etc. My question is what software does the industry use for actually designing a system and doing the layouts and board design, etc.

I suggest asking your professors. They would know. And they would be able to help you personally.

I actually talked to my Microprocessor Interfacing Prof. and he was no help whatsoever. He wouldn't even give me some names of popular software. He's not getting a good evaluation! However, I think that one of my old prof would be more than willing to help, I just haven't had time to go see him yet.

Our local IEEE group is attempting to get a grant for a PCB manufacturing setup, so if that goes ahead it'd be very sweet!

ScottMac: I've looked at the motorola boards, they have a 'evaluation' board (and all the extra's) for $99, but it doesn't have that much on it. The full 'development' board is something like $250, which is a little more than I wanted to spend, although I would really love to have one of them.

 

[Fandu]

ScottMac: I've heard alot of people who like the PIC controllers. Actually the catalyst that started my project idea was this PIC project. I can get that exact same LCD panel and touch screen for $30 or something, and it seems like a very cool project to me. The LCD controller is designed to work with the 6800 uC's and I'm quite familiar with programming them, so that was the reason I was going to use the HCS12.

blahblah99: I see several Motorola libraries, but none seem to have any HCS controllers.