New debug technology: Software breakpoints in flash for ARM® processor-based micros in latest version of J-Link RDI software.

Hilden, Germany - 1st April 2005, SEGGER, one of the leading embedded software manufacturers, makes debugging of ARM processor-based microcontrollers with built-in flash even more powerful and convenient.

More and more applications are based on ARM processor-based microcontrollers. Since RAM size is an expensive part of an ARM processor-based micro, most of these microcontrollers do not have enough RAM to hold program and data in real world applications. Debugging in flash is normally limited to the two hardware breakpoints permitted by the on-chip debug unit of ARM Powered® chips (ICE-breaker module).

SEGGER now offers a new, powerful and efficient debug solution:
The J-Link RDI software allows setting an unlimited number of software breakpoints in flash memory areas, rather than just the 2 hardware breakpoints. A RAM code, specially designed for this purpose, sets and clears Flash breakpoints extremely fast; on micros with fast flash the difference between breakpoints in RAM and Flash is hardly noticeable. On top of this, a combination of software and hardware breakpoints, as well as a built-in instruction set simulator, minimize the number of flash operations which need to be performed. This minimizes delays for the user, maximizing the life time of the flash. All resources of the ARM processor-based micro are available to the application program, no memory is lost for debugging.

The J-Link RDI software can be used with any RDI compliant debugger such as the IAR Embedded Workbench. J-Link customers have the opportunity to receive a 30 days evaluation license free of charge. "I am convinced that this technology is a powerful solution for professional engineers and a breakthrough for developments based on ARM processor-based microcontrollers. Together with leading semiconductor manufacturers we help software engineers to get the most out of their ARM processor-based micros, using this new exciting technology", said Rolf Segger, CEO of SEGGER.

About J-Link

J-Link is a small JTAG emulator, designed for ARM cores. It connects via USB to the Windows PC host. J-Link supports any ARM7™ or ARM9™ family core including Thumb® mode and can be used for debugging, flash programming or communication with the core via DLL (allows full access to J-Link).

J-Mem, a small stand-alone application for Microsoft Windows 2000/XP and the DLL are included as well as a USB and 20-pin flat cable. J-Mem displays memory contents of ARM processor-based systems and allows modifications of RAM and sfrs (Special function registers) while target is running.

J-Link works very efficient and achieves download speeds of 150kb/s. Additional software packages (J-Flash, RDI software, flash breakpoints) are available.

About SEGGER Microcontroller Systeme

SEGGER Microcontroller GmbH & Co.KG develops and distributes software development tools and ANSI "C" software components (middleware) for embedded systems in several industries such as telecom, medical technology, consumer electronics, automotive industry and industrial automation. Main products are emWin, a universal graphics software for embedded applications, embOS, a small realtime kernel and emFile, an embedded file system. emWin, written entirely in ANSI "C", can easily be used on any CPU and basically any display. It is complemented by the available PC tools: Bitmap converter, Font converter, VNC server, Simulation and Viewer. SEGGER's intention is to cut software development time for embedded applications by offering compact, flexible and easy-to-use middleware allowing developers to concentrate on their applications.

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Contact information:
Mr. Ivo Geilenbruegge
Email: info@segger.com
Phone: +49-2103-2878-0