Using Virtual Platforms For Embedded Software Development

Virtual Platforms are used for software development in the same way that a hardware prototype is used. Using a virtual platform is just a lot easier and simpler.

The focus of the Imperas products is to save engineering time in the development of embedded software, primarily achieved by making the engineering process significantly more efficient through the use of high-performance simulation and automated, powerful tooling.

Embedded Software Debugging

Virtual Platforms from Imperas can operate with GNU’s GDB debugger, with or without the Eclipse IDE. There is no need for a hardware pod connection, the virtual platform simulation opens a socket on your PC that your GDB connects to.

The Imperas Multicore Software Development Kit (M*SDK) is a complete embedded software development environment that operates using virtual platforms and is specifically designed to handle complex multicore related issues. M*SDK contains a comprehensive verification, analysis, and profiling (VAP) tool set, plus an advanced 3-dimensional (temporal, spatial and abstraction) debug solution, named 3Debug™, for heterogeneous multicore processor, peripheral, and embedded software debug.

Adding to and Extending Virtual Platforms

If the virtual platform is available as source and there is documentation for each model, and there is documentation as to the modeling technology of each of the models, then it is possible for the virtual platform to be modified and extended.

The Imperas EPKs and OVP platforms have been developed specifically to be extended and modified. In fact it is assumed that users will want to add to them to make them reflect the users specific platform. They are provided working and usually come with examples of an OS such as Linux running.

Imperas provides each EPK with a document that defines the platform and describes the components used within it. Each component also has a document that describes the implemented functionality and any limitations. There are documents for each platform, for each CPU, and for each peripheral/behavioral component.

Imperas EPK platforms are created using the Imperas iGen Model Generator, which automates the creation of a code framework for platforms, simplifying the laborious and error prone initial phase of model generation. These models are built around the platform development infrastructure of Open Virtual (OVP), an open industry standard noted for enabling the efficient modeling of virtual platforms that leverages industry standards.

Source of the models and platform are available with the EPK package from Imperas making extension and modification simple.

Currently available Imperas / OVP Virtual Platforms / Virtual Prototypes for Embedded Software Development and Test Automation.