Development Environment, Debug Probe and Accessories

Development Environment, Debug Probes, Accessories

There are different development environments and debugger to work with the Bmbed Framework and the according hardware platform. Fortunately the purchase isn't expensive for these tools anymore. You just need a few dollars to start with Bmbed.

ARM Keil Microvision IDE

Keil µVision IDE is quite popular. It supports a wide range of ARM Cortex microcontroller from different manufacturer. That's understandable because Keil belongs to ARM since 2005. There are still discussions about the Keil IDE prices. Besides the included source code editor isn't hip.

IDE with project manager, source code editor, maker etc.
Integration of different debug probes e.g. ULINK.
Debug view with code stepping, breakpoints etc.
Startup code generation.
Trial version for free with max code size 32 kbyte. This is enough to start with Bmbed.
Complete tool chain with compiler, linker, etc.
RTOS (real time operating system) included.
IDE with costs includes additionally middleware software (USB, Ethernet, etc.). From $3500.--. Updates from $1000.--.
Bmbed hardware platforms from NXP and ST for Keil IDE.

TI Code Composer Studio

Texas Instruments Code Composer Studio (CCS) IDE was one of the first complete development environments for embedded software with a JTAG interface. First it was a proprietary TI software. Later the CCS base switched to Eclipse. CCS is for free since a few years.

IDE with workspace and project manager, source code editor etc.
Integration for TI XDS 100/ 110 USB debug probes.
Debugger view with code stepping, breakpoints etc.
Startup code generation (a little bit complicated).
Complete tool chain (compiler, linker etc.)
Included SysBios and DspBios real time operating systems for free.
Huge example collection.
Bmbed CCS projects for TI microcontroller.

Microsoft Visual Studio

Microsoft Visual Studio is the first choice for programming .NET Windows programs. The community version is free and fulfills the realization of small and medium projects. The source code editor is one of the best.

IDE with solution and project manager, source code editor etc.
Countless possibilities.
Bmbed .NET C# solutions for Windows communication programs.

ULINK2 USB Debug Probe

ULINK2 debug probe is appropriate for ARM Keil IDE. Some Bmbed Keil projects were developed with a ULINK2.

Keil µVision support. Very stable.
JTAG interface with different connectors.
Original Keil ULINK2 for about $ 350.--, derivates from $ 40.--.

XDS 100/ 110 USB Debug Probe

XDS 100/ 110 debug probes are appropriate for Texas Instruments microcontroller together with Code Composer Studio IDE. Some Bmbed CCS projects are developed with a XDS100/ 110.

TI Code Composer Studio support.
JTAG interface with different connectors.
XDS100/ 110 for about $ 60.--...$100.--

Built-In Debug Probes

TI evaluation boards contain a built-in debug probe already. Mostly a XDS100. That makes it easier to start an embedded software development. But you need a separate debug probe for using your own hardware platform. Following evaluation boards contain a built-in debug probe:

Accessories

Compared to "clean" software projects needs embedded software projects still some hardware components. It also needs some basic hardware know-how. Following accessoires are recommended to make a Bmbed work successfully:

FTDI USB-UART PC communication components.
Multi pin connector for JTAG debug probe connection (e.g. FRDM K64F)
Cable and wire to connect different boards.
Voltage supply and USB cables.