TASKING Multicore Debug Technology Delivers First Heterogeneous Debug Solution

Multicore and SoC debugging eased through TASKING's open-standards framework

Dedham, MA, April 10, 2001 — TASKING, The Embedded Communications Company, today launched TASKING's new Multicore Debug System, the first-ever vendor-independent multicore debugging technology, in a hands-on demo at the Embedded Systems Conference in San Francisco, CA. Using an early-access version of its StarCore Tool Suite and its PowerPC Tool Suite, TASKING illustrates how to debug a multiprocessor application passing data between processor platforms in a simulated environment.

Through this Multicore Debug System (MDS), TASKING solves the dilemma of developers designing next-generation communications and network technology using multiple processors or integrating multiple IP cores who have been unable to debug or simulate the interactive behavior of such multiprocessor applications. Using software logic that mediates between the debuggers for each processor, the MDS synchronizes the debuggers' behavior in order to accurately reflect how the processors interact with each other, while providing a platform that facilitates complete simulation of the multicore behaviora feat unachievable until now. This breakthrough technology has only been possible thanks to TASKING's adherence to open-interface standards and its commitment to the vendor-independent support.

"As the first company to provide a heterogeneous debugging solution, TASKING once again confirms its commitment to excellence and its ability to create innovative solutions to complex development problems," attests Scott Taitel, CEO of Protel's TASKING Group. "Thanks to TASKING's vendor independence and delivery of an open interface, we are able to offer current and new semiconductor partners a multicore solution that can be targeted to any processors that are expected to be used in multicore applications. With this technology, TASKING will extend its reach in the embedded communications sector where wireless and networking developers are currently struggling to solve complex interactive relationships between multiple processing cores."

To initiate an environment where multiple debugger clients can communicate with multiple targets, TASKING extends the generic interface used by TASKING's CrossView Pro debugger to enable target systems to interact with both proprietary and open-standard platforms. Within this open framework, the object-oriented nature of TASKING's MDS creates an environment in which discrete microprocessors and processing cores are all treated as "processing units." The configurable debug topology defines how the processing units interact with each other, orchestrating the relational dynamic of the multicore system that tracks how the messaging and logic is passed between the various cores.

Using run-control logic, TASKING manages the synchronous operation of multiple executing elements in the target environment, enabling the attached debuggers and targets to behave independently or as a unit, as well as paving the way for a simulated environment that mirrors the independent and coordinated behavior of the processing units. With this level of sophisticated control, for the first time developers can rigorously test and debug the multiprocessor solutions underlying many of the next-generation communications designs.

Because the MDS brings together mature, single-core debugging solutions, developers can exploit the advanced debugging capabilities of TASKING's CrossView Pro debugger with each processor working independently or in conjunction with the other processors in the core. To pinpoint specific problem areas, developers can monitor memory use, display register values, and trace program performance of each processor or of the system as a whole. Breakpoints can be set that allow other processors to continue executing, so that developers can drill down into the complex interactive behavior of a SoC solution. With these debug capabilities, TASKING rounds out the resources needed to address the complexities of next-generation embedded communications design.

About TASKING
TASKING, The Embedded Communications Company, brings together the software technology needed to compete in the embedded communications era. TASKING's award-winning integrated development environment, compiler, debugger, embedded Internet and RTOS offerings support a wide range of DSPs and 8-, 16- and 32-bit microprocessors and microcontrollers for all areas of embedded communications. TASKING was founded in 1974 and has its headquarters in Dedham, Massachusetts, and engineering, sales and support offices in the US, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK. TASKING's 100,000 licensed users include the world's leading telecom, datacom, wireless and peripheral manufacturers.

In March 2001, TASKING was acquired by the world's leading independent desktop EDA tool vendor, Protel International Limited with the vision of bridging the gap between the design of electronics hardware and software. As a Protel company, TASKING continues to be responsible for the development, sale and support of a wide range of powerful embedded software development tools. More information about TASKING can be found at www.tasking.com and www.embeddedcommunications.com. Additional information about Protel International Limited can be found at www.protel.com.

TASKING, the TASKING logo, and The Embedded Communications Company are trademarks of TASKING. Protel and the Protel Logo are registered trademarks of Protel International Limited. All other trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.