pec@necntc.nec.com (Paul Cohen) (10/27/89)
NEC Electronics now has available several software tools (hosted on a PC/XT/AT) which facilitate software development for the uPD77C25. The uPD77C25 is a 16-bit DSP which is hardware and source-code compatible to the uPD7720 and the new software tools are also useful with this older and slower, but still popular processor. Included in the software release are utilities which will convert between uPD7720 and uPD77C25 .HEX file formats and which will convert from either format into uPD77C25 assembly code. There is a profiler and a pre-assembler + syntax checker for the uPD77C25, not to mention a pop-up utility which greatly enhances the EVAKIT-77C25 (the ICE for the uPD77C25) interface. Also included is a utility which will modify a .HEX file (for use with programable versions of the uPD77C25) so that the code on the programmed will be read- protected. The most interesting part of the package, however, is a C-language programming environment, SPI-PROTO (the name is derived from the fact that the uPD7720 and uPD77C25 processors are collectively referred to as Signal Processing Interface devices). SPI-PROTO allows a programmer to easily prototype and test an algorithm for one of these devices using the C programming language. Without leaving the C programming environment on the PC (or other host), the programmer can proceed to match the detailed implementation of an algorithm to the uPD77C25 architecture. This allows the programmer to develop DSP code while taking full advantage of the debugging and test facilities that are available under a compiler such as Microsoft C or Turbo C. Finally, at a very late stage in development, the C code that is developed using SPI-PROTO is AUTOMATICALLY converted to commented assembly code for the uPD77C25 (or uPD7720). If you are interested, send me mail (be sure to include your address and telephone number). Alternatively, call: (508) 655-8833 ext 4305 or ext 4413 or ext 4216