Keil Enables Prototyping of Cortex-M Processor-Based Systems with Its Microcontroller Prototyping System


March 30, 2009 -- ARM has announced the Keil Microcontroller Prototyping System (MPS), enabling evaluation and prototyping of ARM Cortex-M class processors and user defined peripherals in a single product. The Keil MPS is the first prototyping system incorporating a full-speed Cortex-M0 or Cortex-M3 processor implemented in an FPGA which can be integrated with third-party peripheral IP to deliver a prototyping system for hardware and software application development.

The MPS enables ARM Partners to implement a Cortex-M class system without having access to the processor RTL, meaning different processors can be benchmarked in order to choose the most suitable for the intended devices price/performance. In addition, the MPS is delivered fully configured with the Cortex-M processor and is fully tested so that the user does not have to test the processor implementation and can immediately begin adding third-party IP or writing software.

"Previously, ARM Partners could not implement an FPGA prototype without access to the processor RTL," said Mark Onions, Director of Marketing, ARM System Design Division. "The Microcontroller Prototyping System provides a consistent platform for evaluating and developing devices based on the Cortex-M processors available today – including the industry’s smallest, lowest power Cortex-M0 processor - and those to be released in the future."

Key features of the Keil MPS

  • Cortex-M class processor running at up to 50MHz allows systems to run at close to the speed of the final microcontroller (MCU) device or system-on-chip (SOC).
  • Integrated memory and peripherals interfaces such as USB, Ethernet, DVI, MMC/SD Card, and FlexRay/CAN enable the system to be configured with a wide range of peripherals which may be included on the final SOC.
  • Large FPGA prototyping system based on an Altera Stratix III enables users to incorporate third-party peripherals and IP.
  • MPS includes the Altera Quartus II Web Edition to build and download the MCU or SOC hardware design to an FPGA, Keil ULINK2 JTAG adapter and Keil MDK-ARM (evaluation version) to develop application software.

Availability

The ARM Microcontroller Prototyping System is available today, shipping with Cortex-M3 processor support. Cortex-M1 and Cortex-M0 processor support to follow.


Reprinted from SOCcentral.com, your first stop for ASIC, FPGA, EDA, and IP news and design information.
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