The Mathworks introduces Embedded Target for Motorola

Natick, Mass. – The MathWorks Inc. announced April 22 Embedded Target for Motorola MPC555, a tool for design engineers using MatLab and Simulink. This tool provides the ability to test, analyze and refine automatically generated code from The MathWorks Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder directly on the microcontroller.

Prior to Embedded Target for Motorola MPC555, designing with 32-bit MCUs could be a lengthy process. Engineers could spend three months or more developing code suitable for use on the Motorola MPC555 microcontroller. By using this latest tool from The MathWorks in conjunction with the Company’s Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder, the time it takes to generate and deploy the code is shortened. It now takes only minutes to automatically generate the code, download it, and get it running on a third-party evaluation board.

“Unlike manual coding methods, the Embedded Target for Motorola MPC555 provides a quick start for running generated code on the MPC555 microcontroller and analyzing the code’s performance,” said Gregory Paul, embedded products marketing manager, The MathWorks. “By extending Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder’s code generation and customization capabilities to the MPC555 platform, we can significantly reduce a company’s time-to-market, saving months of work in some cases.”

Embedded Target for MPC555 allows users to perform several additional functions that provide all the pieces necessary for designers to deploy their code. These functions include:

Processor-in-the-loop co-simulation, which provides engineers with the ability to evaluate software running on the processor;

Mid- to late-cycle design, analysis and refinement for production microcontrollers, which allows for the fine-tuning of algorithms and the ability to make feature enhancements to product designs currently in production, enabling users to avoid capital expenditures for generic target rapid prototyping tools; and

Application deployment, which provides initialization and driver software for selected evaluation boards, allowing software to run on the same microcontroller chip that will be used in the product’s hardware.

“This sophisticated programming tool enables users to quickly harness the performance and feature capabilities of the MPC555,” said Dr. Kevin Klein, 32-bit standard products marketing manager, Motorola. “Combined with the 448k bytes of on-chip flash, this tool enables the user not only to rapidly generate code, but to also create quick and reliable field updates. Motorola is glad to be working with leading tools suppliers like The MathWorks. The fact that The MathWorks has chosen the MPC555 for the introductory product for this family reflects their belief in this MCU product family.”

Embedded Target for Motorola MPC555 began shipping in February. US list prices start at $4,000.

Control Engineering Daily News DeskGary A. Mintchell, senior editor gmintchell@cahners.com

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