A Retargetable Code Generation Methodology for Embedded Systems

Abstract

The demand for more and more complex functionalities in embedded systems is rapidly increasing such as that in portable devices, automobiles, avionics and others. While developing embedded software, most researchers face the problem of transforming C programs into that suitable for different kinds of embedded systems because software code needs to be rewritten for specific microprocessors. A retargetable code generation methodology, namely RCGES, using XML tree as an interface for translating C programs into that appropriate embedded processors. Moreover, we develop a graphical user interface for configuring the parameters for different processors of embedded systems such as various interrupt vectors and input/output ports. Two embedded system examples, 8051-based and PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller)-based: LED display control of advertisement (LDCA) and four phases stepping motor control (FPSMC), are used to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed methodology.