PEmicro offers three USB Multilink debug probes, each with different features or device support. In this video, Edison Tam offers a brief overview of our Multilinks to help users decide which Multilink would be best suited to their project.

Read more...

PEmicro is exhibiting at EmbeddedWorld 2017 in Nuremberg, Germany (Hall 4, Booth 123). We have been developing some exciting technologies that can save time and money during both product development and product manufacturing and will be demonstrating these powerful new features for our GDB Server for ARM devices and our CYCLONE FX programmers:

Read more...

PEmicro has announced the release of a new Multilink development tool and a new Cyclone manufacturing tool, both focused specifically on ARM Cortex devices.

Read more...

PEmicro has announced the addition of support for Renesas' RH850 devices to PEmicro's diverse line of embedded systems tools.

Renesas' RH850 is a family of high-performance, low power automotive microcontrollers. PEmicro's powerful Cyclone for Renesas stand-alone programmer now supports these and many other families of Renesas devices.

Current users of compatible PEmicro products can update their product firmware to add support for these devices. The corresponding programming algorithms can be downloaded from PEmicro's online support center.

PEmicro is now shipping Rev. C of the Cyclone for ARM devices, which represents an evolution in both features and value from the older Rev. B model. PEmicro's Cyclones have set the standard for powerful, versatile production programming and debug. The Cyclone for ARM devices was designed to offer the very best of the Cyclone platform with a focus on enhanced security, extremely fast performance, test, and expandability.

Read more...

PEmicro is now shipping the Cyclone Universal FX, which is the flagship model of PEmicro's next-generation Cyclone programmers. PEmicro's Cyclones have set the standard for powerful, versatile production programming and debug. The Cyclone Universal FX was designed to offer the very best of the Cyclone platform with a focus on enhanced security, extremely fast performance, test, and expandability.

Read more...

PEmicro is pleased to announce that support has been added to its products for files using version 3 and version 4 of the ELF/DWARF format. This is in addition to existing support for ELF/DWARF version 2 and includes both debug and object information handling. Support for 64-bit objects and structures within the ELF/DWARF files has also been added. Support for these additional file formats is available today in PEmicro's debug, flash programming, and test products.

PEmicro is now shipping the Cyclone Universal, which is the first of PEmicro's next-generation Cyclone programmers. PEmicro's Cyclones have set the standard for powerful, versatile production programming and debug. The Cyclone Universal was designed as the first in a next-generation Cyclone platform with a focus on security, performance, test, and expandability.

Read more...

PEmicro has announced that its software products, which include flash/EEPROM programmers, in-circuit debuggers, interface library routines, and other embedded systems tools, are now officially compatible with the Windows 10 operating system.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

BOSTON, MA – July 14, 2015 - Following their debut at the 2015 Freescale Technology Forum, PEmicro's soon-to-be-released Cyclone Universal and Cyclone Universal FX are now available to pre-order. Production quantitites of both new Cyclone programmers are expected to ship by Sept. 15 (subject to change). Those interested in placing a pre-order or simply reviewing the features of our next-generation production programming, test, and debug interfaces may do so at the Cyclones' PEmicro product page. These new Cyclones each support many architectures and offer impressive feature sets that may include:

• Large internal memory: 1GB+ secure memory storage.
• Focus on security: Internal memory protection & encryption, anti-tampering technology, tie images to specific Cyclones, programming count limits, date range limits, logging, etc.
• Extremely fast target communications: 25mb/s+
• Enhanced Interface: 4.3" Touch Screen, 1M touch Start Button.
• External memory: SDHC port for external memory cards
• Test Support: Images can run test code before programming
• And more! Launch port, battery backed clock, provides and switches power to target, expanded architecture support, bar code scanner support, current & voltage measurement, etc.

Click to pre-order, or to learn more about the Cyclone Universal & Cyclone Universal FX.

ARM and Cortex are registered trademarks of ARM Limited (or its subsidiaries).
Freescale, Qorivva, Kinetis, and ColdFire are registered trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

AUSTIN, TX – June 22, 2015 - PEmicro's Cyclones have set the standard for powerful, versatile production programming and debug. We have completely redesigned the Cyclone Platform with state of the art, high-speed technology. We have maintained compatibility with our existing product line while combining support for many target architectures in a single unit and focusing on outstanding security, performance, and features.

Join us at the Freescale® Technology Forum (FTF) in Austin, June 22-25. Come visit us at booth #617 for a chance to win one of two Cyclone Universal FX units, once they are released!

In addition to supporting more target architectures, these new Cyclones offer several improvements over their predecessors:

• Large internal memory: 1GB+ secure memory storage.
• Focus on security: Internal memory protection & encryption, anti-tampering technology, tie images to specific Cyclones, programming count limits, date range limits, logging, etc.
• Extremely fast target communications: 25mb/s+
• Enhanced Interface: 4.3" Touch Screen, 1M touch Start Button.
• External memory: SDHC port for external memory cards
• Test Support: Images can run test code before programming
• And more! Launch port, battery backed clock, provides and switches power to target, expanded architecture support, bar code scanner support, current & voltage measurement, etc.

Click to learn more about the Cyclone Universal & Cyclone Universal FX.

ARM and Cortex are registered trademarks of ARM Limited (or its subsidiaries).
Freescale, Qorivva, Kinetis, and ColdFire are registered trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

PEmicro announced the addition of support for Freescale's high-performance S12Z devices to its popular Cyclone PRO stand-alone/automated in-circuit programmer. Freescale's S12Z devices include the S12ZVC, S12ZVH, S12ZVL and S12ZVM families. This further expands the range of Freescale architectures that the Cyclone PRO is able to program, which includes HC(S)12(X), RS08, HCS08, HC08 and ColdFire+/V1 devices.

Cyclone PRO users may download the latest Cyclone PRO software, which includes updates for S12Z support, from PEmicro's support center.

P&E has released its groundbreaking new USB Multilink Universal all-in-one interface. The USB Multilink Universal is an economical, reliable USB-to-target interface that uses multiple headers to support Freescale's HCS08, RS08, HC(S)12(X), ColdFire V1/+V1 & V2-4, Qorivva MPC55xx/56xx, and Kinetis ARM microcontrollers. The USB Multilink Universal includes multiple ribbon cables to allow connections to the various supported devices. The USB Multilink Universal's case simply flips open for easy access to the headers.

It is supported by P&E software, in addition to Freescale's Codewarrior and software from other third party vendors. A configuration utility is available on P&E's website which allows configuration of the USB Multilink Universal for use with older software packages.

P&E is also developing the USB Multilink Universal FX, an enhanced, high-speed version of the USB Multilink Universal interface. 

This video provides a brief comparison of the features of two popular P&E hardware interfaces, the USB BDM Multilink and the Cyclone PRO. This overview is intended to help users determine which interface is best suited for their project. More information about each interface can be found on the USB-ML-12 and Cyclone PRO product pages.

 

P&E is pleased to announce that 64-bit Windows support has arrived, including support for Windows 7. P&E software has been upgraded to work under Windows 7 (and other Windows 64-bit operating systems) by using the latest version of our drivers - P&E Hardware Interface Drivers 10. There is no need to worry about P&E software compatibility if you're migrating to a Windows 64-bit OS at home or in the office. 

P&E is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to these newer operating sytems for our customers. Customers who have purchased P&E software within the last 12 months can contact us for a free ugprade. Customers who have purchased software between 12 and 24 months ago are eligible to upgrade by purchasing the latest version of the software at a 50% discount from the full price.

Unfortunately, due to OS and hardware driver limitations, P&E legacy products such as USB-ML-12 Rev. A, USB-ML-CF Rev A, the BDM Lightning Card and also parallel port versions of our programmers are not supported under Windows 7 and 64-bit systems. However, we are committed to supporting these products under 32-bit operating systems such as Windows 98/2000/XP/Vista by continuing to offer Version 9 of our P&E Hardware Interface Drivers. These can be downloaded from the Documentation and Downloads section of P&E's website, or directly at the following link:

http://www.pemicro.com/downloads/download_file.cfm?download_id=53

 

We're pleased to announce the release of our latest device drivers. This update includes support for Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 Operating Systems for both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, as well as some minor bug fixes.

To get started using the drivers:

1.     Download P&E Hardware Interface Drivers 10

2.     Run the file drivers_10_install.exe. If you have an older version of our drivers installed, the setup will automatically perform the update.

NOTE: The latest drivers no longer include support for Windows 98 and ME, but P&E will continue to make our older drivers available. Support for PCI devices (e.g., BDM Lightning) and Parallel port devices has been removed for Windows Vista and later, as well as all 64-bit operating systems.

P&E drivers allow P&E applications to communicate with P&E hardware via the parallel port, PCI bus, Ethernet, Serial, and USB.

Since 1980, P&E Microcomputer Systems has been providing industry leading hardware and software development tools for the microcontroller industry.

November 2009

P&E Launches Cyclone Programmer For Renesas Devices FAQs Get Help Buy at P&E P&E Website     P&E Launches Cyclone Programmer For Renesas Devices The power of P&E's Cyclone programmers is now available for Renesas! P&E's Cyclone for Renesas is a flexible, affordable in-circuit flash programming solution for Renesas devices that excels in a demanding production environment. After configuration, operation is as simple as one touch. The Cyclone for Renesas includes these features: LCD Menu Display Support For Multiple Images Control Of Multiple Cyclones Optional CompactFlash Support Support is currently available for the R8C, M16C, and H8 families. A complete listing of supported devices is available here. Please contact us for information about support for other devices. The Cyclone for Renesas includes an extremely useful LCD Menu Display that greatly enhances the Cyclone's stand-alone capabilities. The LCD Menu Display allows the user to: Configure the Cyclone without a PC Quickly view and select from multiple programming images Easily perform programming operations in stand-alone mode Get direct feedback about programming results No need to swap programming images! The internal memory of the Cyclone for Renesas manages multiple images. Load several different programming images onto the Cyclone and choose between them using either the PC software or the LCD Menu on the unit itself. The Cyclone's memory can also be expanded with optional CompactFlash activation. Automation can yield a big increase in productivity. P&E includes software with the Cyclone for Renesas that allows the user to automate control of a single Cyclone via a command-line executable or a .dll. NOW AVAILABLE - P&E has introduced the Cyclone Automated Control Package, which allows users to manage multiple Cyclones simultaneously. Any supported devices can be programmed in parallel, even if they are different devices with different data. Please visit P&E's website for information on the Cyclone Automated Control Package (available separately). Expand the memory of your Cyclone for Renesas with P&E's new Compact Flash support. Store more images and larger images while adding flexibility and efficiency by reducing your need to be connected to the PC. P&E's new CompactFlash Activation License activates the Manage Images Utility on the Cyclone interface so that it can be used with CompactFlash cards. Learn More About The Cyclone For Renesas

P&E engineer Edison Tam demonstrates how to program Freescale's QE128 with P&E's Cyclone PRO stand-alone automated programmer, and gives an overview of the development and production capabilities of the Cyclone PRO. To learn more, please visit the Cyclone PRO product page:

 

Watertown, MA - P&E Microcomputer Systems has expanded its line of UNIT Library Interface Routines by adding a new version that supports Freescale's RS08 microcontroller family. P&E's UNIT Libraries allow the user to create custom Windows applications that can fully control an RS08 processor using either P&E's Cyclone PRO (Rev. C) or USB-ML-12 (Rev. C)  interfaces. It also supports P&E's DEMO9RS08LA8, DEMO9RS08LE4, and DEMO9RS08KB12 development boards, available through Freescale.

The UNIT libraries are frequently used to build custom production line testers. The libraries allow applications to peek and poke memory, peripherals, and other resources of the processor by using P&E interfaces to access the debug port. With these abilities, the application can perform tests of the target hardware, calculate target calibration data, or simply control the target using debug mode. 

More information about P&E's UNIT Interface Library Routines for the RS08 can be found at P&E's website.

 

Did you ever wonder how to power cycle your device to force it into Background Debug Mode? Are you trying to eliminate an external power supply from your manufacturing setup? You can accomplish either task by using a Cyclone PRO. Using the Cyclone PRO's internal power generation mechanism, you can control power for any HC08/HCS08/RS08/HC(S)12 device.

In fact, controlling the power through a Cyclone PRO is crucial for HCS08/RS08 device applications which may not have a dedicated RESET pin. This is because power cycling the device is necessary in order to fully automate the FLASH programming procedure.

To configure a Cyclone PRO to provide power to pin 6 of the BDM header, set power jumpers 2, 3 and 4 on the side of the Cyclone unit. To provide power to pin 15 of the 16-pin MON08 header, set power jumpers 1, 2 and 3. Once the power jumpers are set, select "Provide Power to Target" from the Connection Assistant and/or Cyclone Image Creation Utility and the Cyclone PRO will take care of the rest. You can choose between 5V, 3V and 2V levels.

The Cyclone PRO is also able to toggle power for most high-power/high-voltage devices. The internal electromechanical relays can handle power supplies with a maximum switched current of 1A and a maximum switched voltage of up to 30VDC. In order to automate power cycling with an external power supply, insert it into the Cyclone's "Target Power In" jack. Use the power cord that's included in the Cyclone PRO kit to connect the output of the Cyclone's "Target Power Out" jack to the power input of your board. Then be sure to set power jumper 5 on the side of the Cyclone unit, leaving jumpers 1, 2, 3 and 4 un-populated.

To learn more about Cylcone power management options, please download our Cyclone PRO User's Manual.

Certain test procedures and production environments require the use of a cable longer than the typical 9-inch flat ribbon cable typically included with P&E hardware interfaces. Extending the cable length requires special considerations for signal integrity, crosstalk, and electromagnetic interference. Simply using a longer cable without understanding these topics will usually produce a setup that does not work reliably, if at all. Extending the ribbon cable should be the option only if you determine that you cannot make longer the length of the USB, Ethernet, or Serial cable that connects the P&E hardware interface to your PC. The cables for the communication ports already have some shielding.

If it is necessary to use a longer ribbon cable, P&E recommends using a shielded jacketed cable . This cable configuration is excellent at reducing crosstalk as well as minimizing electromagnetic interference from other devices. Further improvement can be obtained if the wires are also arranged in twisted pairs.

Shielded USB cables are inexpensive and easy to rework. The four wires provided can be used to create a cable for the standard 6-pin BDM header used by many Freescale microprocessors (such as the HCS08, RS08, CFV1, and HCS12). But this option won't work for other devices that require more debug pins.

In general, these guidelines should be followed for all cables between the target microprocessor and the P&E hardware interface:

1. Use the shortest cable possible

    

2. Use shielded cable configurations to reduce parasitic effects

    

3. Lower the communication frequency. For the ColdFire or Qorivva architectures, the communication frequency is controlled by the BDM Debug Shift Frequency setting. For other architectures, the communication speed is only dependent on the processor's bus frequency. Reducing the bus frequency (ie. disabling the PLL) should improve results.

 

Did you know that P&E provides simulation for nearly the whole array of Freescale 8-bit microcontrollers (RS08/HCS08/HC08)? Simulation is  inexpensive and fast, and allows for a highly detailed look at the functionality of the simulated device. P&E Simulations include trace capabilities and are cycle-accurate (cycle accuracy allows for a low level, cycle-by-cycle analysis of the timing and general functionality of your code). Furthermore, simulation allows the seamless loading of code to the entire memory array of the processor, without the cumbersome flash burning that accompanies hardware development -- and byte by byte modification of the memory is allowed at any time.

     In addition to initial development, simulation can serve as a highly effective means of product evaluation. Evaluation of various devices via simulators can be relatively painless and inexpensive when compared to evaluating those same devices using actual hardware. In addition, our simulations are often published before the silicon is widely available, so simulation is also an excellent tool to help you stay on the cutting edge.

     Currently, P&E Simulations are available within the Codewarrior toolsuite. However, P&E will soon be releasing the Simulation Toolkit, which will include all simulations in one convenient package. Stay tuned to the P&E Newsflash for more updates on the release of this product.

P&E's UNIT Library Interface Routines for the 68HC16 now support the USB Multilink Interface for the 68HC16 architecture. The UNIT Library comes in the form of a DLL with example interface code for Microsoft Visual Studio as well as Borland Delphi. All the calls in the DLL are documented so that other development environments can also access the calls.

The UNIT library allows a customer to create a Windows application on the PC which directly controls the target 68HC16 processor via one of P&E's hardware interfaces (the CABLE1632 Parallel Port Interface and now additionally the USB Multilink Interface). Using the library, the Windows application can reset the 68HC16 processor, read/write memory, load code, step, run, and much more! The libary is perfect for creating test, update, and diagnostic applications.

Unit libraries are available for most all Freescale architectures. Details can be seen here.

P&E offers a set of In-Circuit Debuggers that are packed with powerful scripting features. Whether you are stepping through a couple of lines of assembly code or debugging a C-level source, P&E's toolset can help you get the job done. P&E's In-Circuit Debuggers are designed with repeatable test and debugging procedures in mind. Therefore, the user can completely automate software tests by creating a macro script and saving the outcome in a log file. As a result, the user can avoid hours of repeatedly setting up software and firmware tests.

Here's a small demonstration of how the built in macro commands can be used to create and perform a repeatable firmware test on a 9S08AW60 processor. We'll be working with a simple assembly loop that's designed to toggle Port A every 20 CPU cycles. Please note that while the example below will be based on ICDHCS08 debugger, the same set of macro commands is present in all P&E debuggers. For a complete set of built-in macro features, please refer to the ICD COMMANDS section in the corresponding ICDxx.hlp file.

Source under test:

RAMSTART equ $70

     Org RAMSTART

Main:
     mov #$ff,$01 ; ptadd
     mov #$ff,$00 ; ptad
     
     lda #$ff
Loop:
     mov #$00,$00 ; 4 cycles
     nop
     nop
     nop
     nop
     nop
     nop
     mov #$ff,$00 ; 4 cycles
     nop
     nop
     jmp loop ; 4 cycles

The macro outlined below will load our loop_example.s19 and .map files. At the same time it will set the program counter, set the breakpoints, and initialize variables. As the code executes, it will also capture the contents of the desired registers as well as the contents of all on-screen windows. All information will in turn be stored in a log file for later comparison and analysis:

LF	test_output.log	; creates log file
HLOAD	loop_example.s19	; load an .s19 with a map file
PC	Main	; set program counter to point to the beginning of the
		; code
VAR	$00	; add a variable to a variable window
VAR	$01	; add a variable to a variable window
GOTIL	Loop	; run through initialization part of the code to the loop
DUMP	$00 $01	; dump the contents of registers $00 to $01 into the log
		; file
BR	Loop	; set a breakpoint at the beginning of the loop
GO		; run the code until it hits a breakpoint
SNAPSHOT		; captures the current data in all open windows and stores
		; them in a log file.
LF		; close log file

To execute the above macro, enter “macro” in the command line (located on the bottom of the ICD status window). Browse to the location where your macro is saved and open the file. Please note that any built-in commands can also be executed individually. This gives the user the opportunity to perform a step-by-step test of the macro prior to starting the automated debugging procedure.

P&E has updated its ColdFire software products so that they no longer require use of the processor status (PST) pins on the debug connector. These pins are traditionally used to determine if the part is running in user mode or halted in debug mode. The default is still to use the PST pins for status, but this can be optionally disabled in the connection assistant. When disabled, the software will use the BDM communications pins to determine the processor status. This results in a slight slowdown in communication and download rates, but the advantage is that the target board no longer has to wire the PST signals to the debug connectors. This also alleviates some problems in the case where the customer application needs to make use of the alternate functions of the processor status pins instead of using them for debug.

Boston, MA - P&E Microcomputer Systems announces that it has extended the support of its PowerPC Nexus tools to include Freescale’s new MPC56XX devices. This set of in-circuit debuggers, FLASH programmers, and hardware debug interfaces now supports both MPC55xx and MPC56xx devices, offering a comprehensive solution for Freescale’s advanced automotive microprocessors.

Boston, MA - P&E Microcomputer Systems announces the release of an upgraded version of the Professional ColdFire Development Package for the Cyclone MAX and ColdFire Multilink.  The package is already a powerful and inexpensive development suite for the Freescale ColdFire MCF52xx, MCF53xx, MCF54xx microcontroller families. These tools have now been extended to include support for the ColdFire V1.  The professional package supports the GCC toolchain compiler and GNU target template projects, specifically for the ColdFire V1, and additional GNU template projects for the ColdFire V2 (MCF52xx, MCF52xxx).

Boston, MA - P&E Microcomputer Systems publishes an API in the form of UNIT Libraries that allow third-party developers to customize interactions with microcontrollers via Serial, USB, or Ethernet ports using P&E hardware interfaces. For example, the UNIT library can be used to build custom production line testers. P&E has now expanded its offerings to include UNIT Libraries for the ColdFire V1 architecture.

Boston, MA - P&E Microcomputer Systems announces the release of the DEMOJM development board, available through Freescale. The DEMOJM is a low-cost development system that supports Freescale MC9S08JM60 and MCF51JM128 64LQFP microcontrollers. It consists of a DEMOJM Base Board, a DC9S08JM60 Daughter Card and a DC51JM128 Daughter Card. P&E’s Embedded Multilink circuitry on the DEMOJM board allows the processor connected to the DEMOJM to be powered, debugged, and programmed via USB from a PC.

Boston, MA - P&E Microcomputer Systems announces the release of the DEMOQE128 development board, a low-cost development system designed for demonstrating, evaluating, and debugging the Freescale MC9S08QE128 and MCF51QE128 microcontrollers. P&E’s Multilink circuitry is embedded onto the DEMOQE128 board so that it can be powered, programmed, and debugged via USB from the PC. An optional BDM port is provided to allow use of an external BDM interface such as P&E’s Cyclone PRO automated programmer or USB Multilink.

P&E has developed Linux-supported versions of many of our UNIT Library Interface Routines. For several years, P&E Microcomputer Systems has offered the UNIT SDK in order to allow users of P&E's hardware to create custom applications for testing and other designs. With the addition of Linux support for many of the UNIT products, P&E continues to expand the range of users who can take advantage of these powerful tools.

UNIT Library Interface Routines for Linux are available for:

• HCS08
• HC(S)12
• 683xx
• ColdFire
• PowerPC
• Power PC Nexus

For more information on UNIT software for Linux or Windows, please visit P&E's website.

Product testing is a critical yet often complex and expensive process. Taking advantage of embedded processors with on-chip debug capability has made it easier to complete a simple internal test of a product. The following explains how you can take advantage of these capabilities to create your own product test. We’ll examine these four areas to improve your testing process:

1. Use of Debug Mode (BDM) to control processor operation
2. Application of PEmicro’s DLLs on a PC to make test applications which control the processor and run tests via debug mode
3. Using the Processor to test as much of the board hardware as possible
4. Creating a test fixture to add more complex test capabilities

Continue reading this Expert's Corner...

P&E Microcomputer Systems, Inc. is pleased to annouce the release of the Cyclone MAX automated programmer and debug interface. The Cyclone MAX programs PowerPC (MPC5xx/8xx), ColdFire (MCF5xxx) and ARM (MAC71xx) devices, and operates either as a stand-alone unit, or connected to a PC. Like P&E's popular Cyclone PRO, the MAX allows the user to communicate using either Serial, USB, or Ethernet ports. P&E expects to add functionality to the Cyclone MAX, including the possibilty of support for new architectures, expandable storage, and a new visual interface.

Boston, Massachusetts— P&E Microcomputer Systems continues to expand its offering of USB Multilink BDM Interfaces by proudly announcing the release of two new interfaces for the ColdFire and PowerPC families. The USB-ML-CF is a USB-port-to-target BDM interface for the ColdFire MCF52xx/53xx/54xx families of processors. P&E has also released the USB-ML-PPCBDM, which is a USB-port-to-target BDM interface for the 5xx/8xx families of PowerPC devices. Both new USB Multilink BDM interfaces feature:

• USB interface from PC to Multilink for fast programming and debugging, with the ease and compatibility of the USB interface. Higher download rate is over 3x faster than P&E's parallel port cable. Wide target operating voltage of 1.80v-5.25v.

• No separate power supply required - power is drawn from the USB interface (draws less than 1mA from the target)

As always, P&E is offering these powerful new tools at an affordable price. Please see the USB-ML-CF and USB-ML-PPCBDM product pages on P&E's website for more detail.P&E Microcomputer Systems, Inc., established in 1980 and located in Boston, MA, is an industry trendsetter in hardware and software development tools for Motorola / Freescale microcontrollers.