August 10, 2000 - SofTec Microsystems has announced the development of multiROM, an advanced debugging tool for embedded systems. multiROM is a full-featured EPROM and FLASH memory emulator, so EPROM or FLASH memory programming during the application development process is no longer required. multiROM seamlessly replaces the EPROM or FLASH memory of the system under development, thus allowing a very fast uploading of the user's code directly onto the instrument's built-in emulation memory. During the emulation, the uploaded code can be watched, edited and analyzed in real time.
multiROM is connected to the host PC through a standard parallel port, in order to achieve faster transfer rates than commonly used serial ports. The multiROM pod is simply inserted into the target's memory socket--multiROM is independent from the target microprocessor, and the emulation of every EPROM or FLASH memory (in DIP, PLCC, TSOP or PSOP package) is completely transparent and straightforward.multiROM emulates up to 16 Mbit devices, with data bus widths of 8 and 16 bits. The memory access time is guaranteed to be less than 60 ns. multiROM can emulate 2.7 V, 3.3 V and 5 V devices, thanks to its internal circuitry--no external adapter is needed, thus ensuring no increase in memory access time.
The Live Access feature allows the host PC to transparently view/edit the memory under emulation in real time, without in no way affecting the target's memory access timings (no wait states inserted). The Live Access feature allows the user, for example, to modify control variables (loop counter variables, timing constants, etc.) and look-up tables, or to simulate conditions that trigger external signals; all this in real time, while the target system is running.
multiROM also features a Virtual Terminal, a communication channel between the host PC and the target system which allows the latter to send messages to the former during the emulation. By simply accessing some dedicated multiROM locations, the target can send, while running, the content of its variables or whatever other text messages to the host PC; the Virtual Terminal messages are displayed in a dedicated user interface window. The emulator provides an output RESET signal that can be generated as needed. multiROM, additionally, can generate interrupt signals (depending on memory access conditions specified in the user interface) that can be used by the target system. A trace buffer is also built in into the instrument.
multiROM comes with a powerful user interface for Windows 9x/Me/2000/NT, power adapter, parallel cable, DIP-32 adapter and user's manual. Adapters for other packages are available on request.An interface library (DLL) is also provided (as an option) so that you can interface your own programs directly with multiROM.
