Support for FreeRTOS in GDB Server for ARM devices

PEmicro has introduced OS-aware debugging in its GDB Server for ARM® devices. Initial support is available now for FreeRTOS, with further OS modules to be developed. PEmicro’s GDB Server for ARM devices is available for download at no cost and works with PEmicro Multilink, Cyclone, and OpenSDA hardware interfaces.

The user does not have to do anything to set up PEmicro’s OS-aware debugging plugin for Eclipse®. The GDB server will automatically detect the presence, type, and configuration of an OS by querying the application’s symbol table for identifying characteristics. Using these discovered symbols, the debugger can traverse the kernel’s internal data structures to enumerate the available threads and their corresponding execution context. This information is then used to dynamically populate the Eclipse views as the user navigates between the threads.

View Variables While Device is Running in GDB Server for ARM devices

PEmicro has added the ability to view variables and memory while a target ARM device is running to our GDB Server Plug-in for ARM devices. This Eclipse plugin can be installed in any Eclipse-based IDE and supports the debug of ARM microcontrollers via PEmicro’s Multilink, Cyclone, and OpenSDA debug hardware. The “Real Time Expressions” view, which is part of the plugin, is similar to the normal expressions view, except that it works while the part is running.

Sometimes the process of halting the target masks a bug. Sometimes, in order to reproduce a particular bug, the program must be kept running while being fed a particular set of data. In those cases, having the ability to view variable values as they change without halting the target is a great asset. Also, the ability to view variable values while the target is running eliminates the need to have a physical feedback mechanism such as a blinking LED. The user can simply monitor a variable value and check for changes while the target is running to determine if a particular section of code gets executed.

This new “Real Time Expressions” view feature is available in PEmicro’s GDB Server for ARM devices v2.8.1 and higher.

Initiate Programming Image Selection & Launch Via Barcode Scanner With CYCLONE FX Programmer

Automatic selection and launch of a specific flash programming image based on a scanned barcode can improve the speed and accuracy of production programming, especially when there is a varied product mix being programmed.

Barcode scanning improves accuracy by making the process of selecting a programming image fast, automatic, and less vulnerable to user error. P&E's CYCLONE FX programmers have the ability to use a barcode scanner, connected via the Cyclone's host USB port, to initiate programming. When a barcode is scanned, the Cyclone selects a specific programming image based on the barcode and programs the target board accordingly.

Come Visit Us At Hall 4, Booth 123

PEmicro will be demonstrating these new features at EmbeddedWorld 2017 - please stop by and see us if if you are attending the show.