© PLS Programmierbare Logik & Systeme

As of now, PLS supports the latest member of NXP Semiconductors S32 MCUs, the S32K3 series. PLS offers developers optimized debug, analysis, and test functions. In addition, it is easy to migrate from other MCU architectures.

NXP Semiconductors S32 MCU family is intended for automotive and industrial applications – a comprehensive partner ecosystem is also available. It provides developers with software, tools, and design services. From now on, PLS Programmierbare Logik & Systeme also supports the new MCUs: with comprehensive debug and trace functions for the Universal Debug Engine (UDE).

NXP's S32K3 family is based on the Arm Cortex M7 architecture in single, dual or lockstep configuration. Last one allows the S32K3 devices to be used in functional safety applications – up to ASIL D according to ISO 26262. For software development, users can rely on NXP's free real-time driver package. It can be used in both Autosar and non-Autosar applications.

In addition to extensive debug functions, PLS provides many visualization options directly at the user interface. Furthermore, multicore debug functions are available especially for the dual-core configuration: Multicore Run Control for synchronous stopping and starting, and Multi-Core Breakpoints that developers can use in shared code. In a single debug session and within a single instance, debugging and runtime analysis of applications is possible – by using both S32K3 cores. In addition, the »Memtool« integrated in the UDE, offers functions that enable simple and safe programming of flash memory.

Easy migration to S32K3 possible

The UDE's user interface gives developers freedom to adapt to individual preferences and needs. It is also easy to switch from another MCU architecture to the NXP devices. For automated debugging and testing, UDE also offers comprehensive scripting support – UDE is independent of any specific scripting language. With Microsoft Component Object Model (COM) as the basis for the UDE's software API, developers can continue to use their preferred scripting language, such as Python, Perl, or JavaScript.

Access to the S32K3 MCUs is provided, for example, by using UAD2pro, UAD2next and UAD3+ devices of the Universal Access Device family from PLS – the Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface is used here. Trace data can also be recorded via the »CoreSight« trace implementation of the S32K3 devices. For this purpose, 512 MB of internal memory is available on the UAD2next and up to 4 GB on the UAD3+. Thus, the UDE enables an analysis of the runtime behavior and offers, among other things, functions for profiling and code coverage. In addition, the data trace of the S32K3 can be used for runtime and task analysis of real-time operating systems. The UDE provides corresponding RTOS support add-ins for this purpose.
 

(by: Tobias Schlichtmeier, source of article)