PromICE ROM Emulator

PromICE combines fast downloads with debug link

GM Tech (or Grammar Engine as they are better known) PromICE downloads your code into emulated ROM in seconds, rather than the minutes required either by EPROM programming, serial transfers to the target or BDM downloads. You will test code changes quickly and explore more options in the same amount of time. PromICE will save time even when used with other debugging tools, since it virtually eliminates download downtime.

PromICE's download speeds are fast:

DOS, W95/98, 2K, NT, ME, XP and UNIX systems are supported:

• Serial port (up to 57.6 Kbaud)

• Centronics parallel port (up to 90 KBytes/second)

• Ethernet TCP/IP (up to 90 KBytes/second)

PromICE provides revolutionary debugging capabilities:

Grammar Engine's virtual UART provides an RS232 link for communication between target and host through the PromICE. This channel allows debugging without the use of the target's serial port or other target resources and can also be used to monitor program status and operation.

• Frees the on board UART for your application: PromICE provides a virtual serial port for debugging through the ROM socket, so the serial port on your target is no longer needed by a monitor-based debugger. In addition, PromICE eliminates conflicting use of the serial port between an application and a debugger
• Full ROM space during debugging: When you use a monitor burned into ROM, you must load and run all code from RAM. This is inconvenient and sometimes requires target modifications. PromICE provides the full ROM space during debugging, Code can be located in ROM exactly as it will be in your final design. This provides ample space for the monitor and eliminates the need to relocate code after debugging.
• Monitor Drivers: Support is provided for a number of software packages that use a serial port for their debug communications. In particular drivers are available for 186, 386 CPU development using the Beacon Technology VisualProbe debuggers along with Paradigm CAD-UL and Phar Lap tools. For the 68000 family support is available for products from ISI, Intermetrics, Manx, Microtech and SDSI.

PromICE Benefits:

• Emulates any size or speed ROM: Up to 32 Mbit (4 MBytes) PromICE emulates any ROM smaller than its full capacity. PromICE is available in access speeds as fast as 35ns.
• Upgradable: Buy just what you need now and upgrade as your application grows.
• All ROM footprints supported: Direct connect cables are available for all DIP, PLCC, TSOP and PSOP sockets. Custom cables can be provided for other socket configurations,
• Applicable to any memory configuration: Targets with 8 and 16 bit data buses can be emulated with a single unit, eliminating desktop clutter. For 32 bit and larger data widths, daisychain PromICEs together through serial or parallel connections. It is even possible to simultaneously download identical code to multiple units.
• Non-Volatile memory (Battery Backed SRAM standard): Retains memory when target is reset and re-initialised for code testing. Data is retained even when PromICE is removed from all power, making it portable for remote targets and field work.
• Powered externally or from target: AC adapter is included with PromICE to minimise power draw from target.
• Instant power-up emulation: PromICE starts emulating when powered up, simulating normal start-up of your embedded system. This is ideal for developing start-up code or if your target permits power-up reset only.
• Write to ROM: Accepts a write line from the target, allowing emulation of flash memory, EEPROMs, RAM etc. PromICE also supports reset and interrupt lines to the target, providing total control of your target from the keyboard during debugging.
• Powerful ROM management software included: Because PromICE is microprocessor controlled, it allows full user control of the development environment. Download file formats supported are Binary, all Intel hex and Motorola S-records. Host support includes DOS, Macintosh, UNIX, HP-UNIX and VAX/VMS systems. Full ANSI C source code is included.

Prices shown are for 90 nsec parts, call for prices of 45 or 35 nsec versions.
All units require one or more cables:

DIP	24, 28 or 32 pin	£40
	fast signal conditioning for these	£40
	40 pin (16bit)	£150
	42 pin (16bit)	£150
PLCC	32 pin Flex Probe	£220
	44 pin Flex Probe	£290
TSOP	32,40,48,56 pin Flex Probes	£360
PSOP	44 pin Flex Probe	£360
SSOP	56 pin Flex Probe direct	£450

Call for details of direct or solder connectors

Other options available include:

TRACE option for the PromICE

The Code Trace is a 32 bit wide trace that can record all accesses to your emulated ROM space. It stores up to 21 bits of ROM address and 3 bits of externally supplied address to provide coverage for 16M of address space. The other 8 bits can be connected to the target's data bus and an external clock input.

Trace is controlled by START and STOP registers that compare the access address against 32 bit stored values. The compare function can be set for 24 bits (address only) or 32 bits (address and data). Two 16-bit counters can count events for skipping and tracing, allow you to trap just about any condition your target system can get into. You can also use them to generate hardware breaks via an interrupt.

Code coverage memory is divided into four pages that are each 128K deep. You can map them to cover any part of the address space. Then whenever the target makes access in this space, the Code Coverage memory is marked. Later on you can dump this memory and analyse the map to check on code coverage.