Minds: A microprocessor integrated development system for applications in SPC exchanges

Abstract

The introduction of microprocessors in the design of electronic switching systems is consistent with present tendencies toward distributed processing. The use of VLSI technology allows an economical and efficient solution of typical exchange problems (i.e., fault tolerance, equipment flexibility). However, the use of microprocessors causes several problems concerning software development and programming in general. Recently, software development issues have received a lot of attention. It has been shown that the most of the total product cost is spent during the maintenance phase. On large computers, many software tools are available in order to improve reliability of software packages and programmer productivity. The use of these tools should be considered even in microprocessor applications in order to obtain the same advantages in this design area which is continuously growing in complexity. The paper discusses the requirements of an industrial design environment and shows how the problems of microprocessor programming are solved by means of an integrated software development support for 8-bit and 16-bit microprocessors. The development support software for these microprocessors is based on a design methodology, according to which the support and application software is developed on a host general purpose computer, while software debugging and testing are performed directly on the targhet computer, with the aid of proper debugging tools.