V850/850E 78K0S RX4000 V850E V850E/MA1 V850E/MS1 V850E/MA2 VR12000A-400 - Datasheet Archive

 

MICROCOMPUTER DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT Kenji Matsui Relative performance Game VR 64 bits Network STB LBP Internet Navigator HDD

 

NEXT STEP 2 MICROCOMPUTER DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT Kenji Matsui Relative performance Game VR 64 bits Network STB LBP Internet Navigator HDD V850/850E V850/850E 32 bits EWS PDA Fax Color Inkjet EMS Camcorder Cell Phone CD-ROM Automotive IC Card Smart Battery 78 K 8/16 bits CHIP CARD 4923 2000 7171 Audio/Video Relative cost Fig. 1 NEC Microcomputer Applications Introduction NEC offers a rich lineup of microcomputers ranging from 4-bit microcomputers to 64-bit microcomputers (Fig. 1). This article introduces the latest microcomputer development environmentrelated topics for the 78K Series, the V850 Family, and the VR Series in Japan. Development Environments Matching Development Styles of Users "Time to market" is one of the most important recent keywords. NEC must offer a sophisticated development environment that allows the smoothest possible development of systems incorporating microcomputers. NEC meets a wide range of user requirements according to the type Microcomputer Engineering Department, Solution Engineering Division of microcomputer to be used. The 78K Series (Fig. 2) consists of microcomputers that perform localized processing as a system sub-processor. The 78K Series microcomputers are categorized as microcontrollers, and user development using these microcomputers has the following characteristics. · Average program size of 40 KB to 128 KB Assembler source intercompatibility Rising CPU speed Increasing memory area (>64 KB) 78K0 Support of small pin count/ compact package 78K4 · Guaranteed utilization of existing software resources from 8-bit (78K0S 78K0S) to 16-bit (78K4) · Standardization of development tool operability · Standardization of peripheral functions 78K0S 78K0S Fig. 2 Concept of 78K Series · Relatively small development team and short development period · In many cases the application systems are changed or upgraded versions of previously existing models, so a part of the program is reused Therefore, the most important factor for the development environment is thought to be the availability of an inexpensive debugging environment. On the other hand, the V850 Family (Fig. 3) is used mainly for two types of applications. One is an application categorized as high-end microcontrollers, in which higher speed and more complex functions are required. For example, these microcontrollers can be used in applications designed to perform a larger amount of processing within a given time, or in systems that realize processing traditionally done by hardware through software. The other type of application is one where the user aims to build a system that uses fewer components, consumes less power, and is more compact as a system-on-chip core. The requirements of users with regard to high-end microcontrollers are as follows. · Programs are often designed as a combination of modules in order to raise software reusability. As a result, a realtime OS is often used. · As the scale of software grows larger, compilers are being increasingly used, but optimized compilers with a small code size are required. User requirements when using microcontrollers as system-on-chip cores are as follows. · A co-verification environment is required since software performance estimation and firmware verification are necessary before the actual chip is completed. · In cases where system-on-chip chips include ROM area, a proven real-time OS and middleware libraries are often stored. · Users want to use in-circuit emulators even for system-on-chip. In response to these requirements, NEC offers optimized compilers that achieve a code size comparable to that of 16-bit microcomputers, promptly releases microcomputer core information to cosimulation tool vendors, offers real-time OSs and middleware tuned with assembly language to make the most of a microcomputer's performance, and also offers two types of in-circuit emulators for system-on-chip applications, the Evachip type that realizes a full-function emulator, and the N-Wire (JTAG) type that supports chips featuring on-chip debugging functions. An additional lineup offered by NEC, the VR Series (Fig. 4), is used principally in fields that require high-speed data processing. User development incorporating these microcomputers has the following requirements. · Supply of fast object execution time compilers that take into consideration the CPU pipeline. · Introduction of development methods based on software engineering, due to the increasing scale of software. · Supply of platform boards that support software evaluation and development. · Supply of reference information for the rapid launch of systems that use microcomputers. Regarding compiler optimization, NEC works in cooperation with Green Hills Software (http://www.ghs.com), Red Hat, Inc., (http://www.redhat.com) and other leading compiler makers on compiler technology that matches various device architectures. By establishing long term relationships with these makers, NEC is able to exchange information with them, ranging from compiler technology to feedback regarding device architecture. NEC also provides various types of consulting services to increase software productivity as a professional service. NEC additionally sells reference information (sample boot code, sample drivers, circuit design information, etc.) using a reference platform. For example, for the V R 5432 reference platform, the µITRON-compliant real-time OS RX4000 RX4000 and various types of middleware evaluation binary code are bundled. In addition, various types of chip sets for digital set-top boxes and color laser beam printers have been released by third-party chip set makers. Recent Development Environment Issues Some of the latest topics related to the development environments for the 78K Series, V850 Family, and the VR Series are introduced below. These topics refer to activities in Japan, some of which may not be available outside of Japan. 1. 78K Series Traditionally, the various NEC products, compilers, debuggers, simulators, device files, and so on, making up tool chains, have been sold individually. As a result, the upgrade period differs depending on the product, and the product combinations are V850E V850E core 124 MIPS@100 MHz V850E V850E 100 MHz V850E V850E core 85 MIPS@66 MHz High-end lineup Supporting SDRAM, 50 MHz Enhanced MEMC, 40 MHz V850E/Mxx 66 MHz V850E/MA1 V850E/MA1 Compact version V850E/MS1 V850E/MS1 V851 V850E/MA2 V850E/MA2 V854 V853 V850 V850E V850E ASSP V852 ASSP Standard lineup V850/Sxx V850 core 38 MIPS@33 MHz V850E V850E Low-power Low-power Low-end lineup 1998 1999 2000 CY Fig. 3 V850 Family Roadmap Trex-500 VR12000A-400 VR12000A-400 MIPS VR12000-300 VR12000-300 Superscalar 800 Ruby* VR10000-200 VR10000-200 500 U Under development ltra h -hig per Co for mp m e anc Under development Sapphire* g utin Under development VR5000A-250 VR5000A-250 Co VR5000-200 VR5000-200 VR5432-167 VR5432-167 er st/p Em for bed ma ded nce l app ica tion s VR4310-167 VR4310-167 VR41xx-200 Under development VR4122-180 VR4122-180 200 VR4300-133 VR4300-133 VR4121-131/168 VR4121-131/168 VR4300-100 VR4300-100 VR4305-80 VR4305-80 VR4111-70 VR4111-70 VR4181-66 VR4181-66 p Low ow on er c te Bat VR4100-40 VR4100-40 ry- sum dri ptio e ven n qui pm ent * Development code name 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 Fig. 4 VR Series Roadmap redundant to an excessive degree due to the various upgrade timings. To reduce this complexity, the tool chain configuration products are placed on a CD-ROM for each of the 78K0, 78K0S 78K0S, and 78K4 Series and sold as a software package. These software packages are upgraded about once a year. Moreover, when, between upgrades, support of newly released microcomputers or the distribution of products that feature minor revisions such as for software bugs is required, registered users will be contacted in advance and will be able to get online updates at http://www.ic.nec.co.jp/micro/ in the near future. Also, regarding NEC's in-circuit emulators, in addition to the conventional method of directly linking PCs and in-circuit emulators, support of control via the TCP/ IP networks of PCs will be provided from the spring of 2001. Additionally, support of real-time OSs and OSEK*1, which are currently penetrating the automotive electronics field, is planned from spring 2001, starting with the 78K0 Series. Gaio Technology Co., Ltd. (http:// www.gaio.co.jp/) also supports total development environments that range from upstream design tools to compilers and simulators. *1 OSEK stands for Offene Systeme und deren Schnittstellen fur die Elektronik im Kraftfahrzeug (Open systems and the corresponding interfaces for automotive electronics). OSEK was mainly drawn up by Uwe Kiencke from Karlsruhe University (Germany) in May 1993. 2. V850 Family As with the 78K Series, software package products for the V850 Family have already been released. A C compiler package, debugger, simulator, system performance analyzer, and so on, are provided on a single CD-ROM, and frequently asked questions regarding these products can be looked up at the FAQ corner at http://www.ic.nec.co.jp/ micro/). As with the 78K Series, an online update service for development tools is available to registered users of V850 Family products. RX-NET, a TCP/IP library, has also been released as an RX850Pro option. A TCP/IP protocol stack that uses RX850Pro system calls and Telnet, FTP, and other applications are provided. The code size is approximately 56 KB, the data size approximately 9 KB, and the heap area 150 KB, all fairly small capacities. In addition to the above, regarding NEC's in-circuit emulators, control via the TCP/IP network for PCs will be supported from spring 2001, as for the 78K Series. Support of real-time OSs and OSEK for the V850 Family will be provided in advance of the 78K Series, and CAN*2, a general communication interface for automotive electronics, will also be supported through OSEK/COM, which are communication specifications that abstract hardware. Moreover, the RD-OSEK850 RD-OSEK850, a task debugger for OSEK, and the AZ-OSEK850 AZ-OSEK850, a system performance analyzer, will also be supported. In addition to the above, NEC also offers professional consulting services for software design and system performance bottleneck analysis and improvement methods, as well as evaluation automation consulting to reduce the number of actual system evaluation man-hours. NEC also sells reference platforms as evaluation environments for microcomputers, real-time OSs, and middleware.*3 NEC Microcomputer Technology, Ltd. (http://www.mesh.ne.jp/nmit/) is also involved in various activities such as middleware customization and development of systems that use the NEC µITRON RX Series, as well as licensing the Internet browser Compact NetFront and the Java VM JV-Lite2 from ACCESS Co., Ltd., (http:// www.access.co.jp/), which enables the realization of an Internet platform environment in a single window. ERG Co., Ltd. (http://www.erg.co.jp/) also offers various kinds of support for TCP/IP, file systems, and middleware, centered mainly on µITRON. As the most recent topics related to the development environments offered by third parties, Wind River Systems, Inc. (http:// www.windriver.com/) distributes the evaluation version of Tornado for the V850E V850E (for users in Japan only). NEC is also selling the mass-production license for the Tornado for the V850E V850E for users in Japan. ZIPC, a CASE tool of Communication And Technology Systems (CATS), Inc. (http://www.zipc.com/) that uses state transition table design works well with NEC's RX850/RX850Pro real-time OSs, ID850 ID850 debugging environment, and SM850 SM850 simulator. Moreover, with regard to in-circuit emulator-related third parties, Midas Lab Co., Ltd. (http://www.caravan.net/midas/) provides the N-Wire in-circuit emulator supporting a full-function in-circuit emulator for the NB85ET NB85ET at a relatively low cost. Standard microcomputers and a fullfunction in-circuit emulator supporting the NB85ET NB85ET from YDC Corporation, (http:// www.ydc.co.jp/advice/) and Sophia Systems Co., Ltd. (http://www.Sophia-systems.co.jp/ ) are also supported. *2 CAN: Controller Area Network *3 For details, refer to NEC Device Technology International No. 58 (August 1, 2000). 3. VR Series Regarding the VR Series, NEC sells the RX4000 RX4000, a real-time OS compliant with µITRON. It also supports the AZ4000 AZ4000 system performance analyzer. As options, NEC plans to release the RX-NET TCP/IP library. NEC also sells reference platforms as an evaluation environment for the VR Series as with the V850 Family. One of the features of the V R Series development environment is the fact that various tools from a large number of third parties throughout the world are supported. A number of topics in this regard are introduced below. The CodeBalance tool of Green Hills Software, Inc., achieves an optimum balance between MIPS16 MIPS16 instructions and native MIPS instructions supported by VR4100 VR4100 microprocessors from the two viewpoints of execution time and code size*4. As a real-time OS that supports MIPS16 MIPS16 instructions for VR4100 VR4100 microprocessors, Nucleus Plus of Accelerated Technology Inc. (http://www.atinucleus.com) operates on the EMMA device (µPD61030 PD61030) for one-touch MPEG AV decoders that incorporate a VR 4100 core. Metrowerks Inc. (http://www.metrowerks. com/) has released PowerParts, which enables easy configuration of an integrated development environment, compiler, and GUI environment. Regarding Java, recently a hot topic, NEC Microcomputer Technology, Ltd. is now selling JV-Lite2 from ACCESS Co., Ltd. Also available is Jblend from Aplix Corporation (http://www.jblend.com/) and Jeode from Insignia Solutions Inc. (http:// www.insignia.com) As a large-scale OS used in applications such as PDAs, there is Windows CE, for which NEC provides support for porting to the customer's target boards and device driver development in cooperation with external SI partners. For performance tuning tools, CodeTEST from Applied Microsystems Corporation (http://www. amc.com/) is supported. CodeTEST dynamically analyzes program operation while the cache is activated, and outputs the most frequently called function names as well as function coverage information. As a UNIX-type OS, QNX/Neutrino is supported by QNX Software Systems, Ltd. (http://www.qnx.com/). Currently the V R 4121 is supported, and support of additional VR Series microprocessors is also planned in the future. Furthermore, a homepage presenting information regarding Linux activities for the VR Series is available at http://linuxvr.org/. Regarding the debugging environment, a flash memory emulator that can be used with GUI-function debuggers from Sophia Systems Co., Ltd. (http://www.sophiasystems.co.jp/) is supported. In addition, Partner-ET2, a ROM emulator allowing extremely fast program download, and Partner-J, a JTAG debugger, are being sold by Kyoto Microcomputer Corporation (http:/ /www.kmckk.co.jp/), and Midas Lab, Co., Ltd. is selling the N-Wire in-circuit emulator RTE-1000-TP RTE-1000-TP. *4 Whereas native MIPS instructions have an instruction length of 4 bytes, MIPS16 MIPS16 instructions have an instruction length of 2 bytes. For this reason, using MIPS16 MIPS16 instructions has the merit of reducing the code size. However, from the viewpoint of the instruction execution time, MIPS16 MIPS16 instructions do have demerits such as the limitation of the number of usable registers to 8. For details, refer to the user 's manuals for V R 4100 microprocessors. The above has briefly described recent topics regarding the development environment for NEC's microcomputers. NEC aims to further improve its development tools and promote the creation of long-term cooperative relationships with third parties to provide state-of-the-art-level microcomputer development environments. Note: This article covers activities in Japan, some of which may not be available outside of Japan. Please contact your local NEC sales representative for details.