Virtual system prototypes (VSPs) built with modeling technology from VaST Systems are now available for three 32-bit Power Architecture microcontrollers from Freescale Semiconductor.
The VSPs are for Freescale’s MPC5554, MPC5566, and MPC5565 – MCUs that target powertrain control applications. The VSPs are built on VaST Systems’ Virtual Processor Models (VPMs) for the e200Z6 core and the enhanced timer processing unit (eTPU). The VSPs are also integrated with System C-based peripheral models to help ensure a virtual replication of the specific device.
Peter Schulmeyer, Freescale’s director of strategy for automotive MCUs, said powertrain management systems have grown significantly in complexity and performance to meet stringent emissions and fuel efficiency standards, while industry demands for quality, reliability and faster time to market continue to increase.
Virtual platforms have emerged as a compelling solution, according to Schulmeyer, who said the virtual prototypes will enable automotive developers to tackle “growing software intricacies” and speed their time to market.
"Automotive suppliers operate in a high-pressure environment where speed and zero defects are paramount, and developing highly complex software adds to the challenge,” Schulmeyer said. “Virtualization addresses these requirements by providing automotive developers with early access to pre-silicon development, key technology and validation capabilities.”
Using traditional tools, compilers, debuggers and integrated development environments (IDEs), powertrain system engineers can work with virtual hardware to develop software, test/validation suites and perform system architecture analysis before receiving silicon samples.
VaST Systems technology is said to enable high cycle count accuracy, fast simulation speed, and the functional accuracy required by many electronic control unit (ECU) suppliers, who use simulation and modeling strategies as an effective substitute for the target hardware.
Freescale plans to add model availability to select current and future 32-bit MCU products for advanced safety, body electronics and next-generation powertrain applications.