Background Mode is a feature that Motorola designed into its 68331, 68332, 68340 and 68HC16 microcontrollers. When Background Mode is enabled, developers can access debugging services that reside in the chip's microcode. The new EST Series 300 offers a high-level, transparent interface to Background Mode and the on-chip debugger. Like an in-circuit emulator, it does not need any target resources. Through Background Mode, it uses the debugging services embedded in the CPU32 microcode. Developers can use the product before the memory and communication subsystems are stable.

The EST Series 300 provides the hardware and logic to enable Background Mode for debugging, and disable it for real-time execution. Using the 5Mb per second communications link, the product combines low-level background mode commands to provide the following system-level debugging features: download, boot, and halt the application; single-step or multi-step instructions; set simple or conditional breakpoints on RAM or ROM code and data; trace the execution of the processor; fill and move blocks of memory; and ran hardware diagnostic tests.

Embedded Support Tools Corp. has ported a version of XDB 5.0, a leading C source-level debugger from Intermetrics, Inc., to the EST seies 300. XDB gives the series 300 an intuitive, multi-windowed user interface with complete symbolic and C source-level information.

For realtime simulation, EST has built a CPU32 and 128K of RAM into the series 300. Additionally, the product comes preconfigured to work with the Motorola 68331/332 and 68340 EVS evaluation boards.

The EST Series 300 is priced at $2,450. For $5,950, the Company bundles the XDB C source level debugger and the Inter-Tools Optimizing ANSI C toolkit with the EST Series 300. This package is available immediately for the 68330, 68331, 68332, and 68340. A version supporting the 68HC16 will be released shortly.

Contact Embedded Support Tools, Corp., 10 Elmwood St., Canton, MA 02021. (617) 828-5588; FAX (617) 828-7941.

Each port of the Oasys Microsoft Cross C Development System offers identical functionality to Microsoft C v1.1 and is compatible with code developed on MS-DOS using Microsoft C. Microsoft Cross C gives users the option of linking object code on a PC or on the larger host to produce an executable. Oasys also provides Microsoft compatible tools that produce 8086/186/286 OMF format for the embedded Intel developer.

Oasys Microsoft Cross C Development System produces high-speed executables and optimized code by eliminating common sub-expressions. The compiler also implements register variables. The System offers several memory models (Small, Compact, Medium, Large, and Huge) and pointers (near, far, and huge). Library routines implement most of the UNIX System V C library. Users can choose from three math libraries and generate in-line 8087/80287 instructions or floating point calls.

This release also includes Oasys' Microsoft Embedded Kit (MEK86). The MEK86 includes Microsoft C runtime library source as well as 80x86 initialization code. It enables developers using embedded 8086 and 80286 chips to more effectively use Oasys' Microsoft cross tools from Oasys.

Oasys' Microsoft Cross C Development System is also available on DEC VAX (VMS/Ultrix) and Suns. Oasys is responsible for all porting, development, customer support, marketing, and sales. For complete pricing and availability, contact Oasys at One Cranberry Hill, Lexington, MA 02173. (617) 862-2002; FAX (617) 863-CODE (2633).

The PDS-C Source Generator compatible with the open system architecture created via the UNIX operating system. It is an element of the PDS Application Devlopment Environment, in which users may program using a 4GL and execute the finalized application as compiled C.

Another component of the environment is PDS-ADEPT, a 4GL application generator with built-in database manager and report writer designed to solve a variety of data processing needs. PDS-C enables users to compile programs developed in PDS-ADEPT into C code, facilitating greater execution speed, reduced memory requirements and platform portability. A third component of the environment, PDS-QUERY, allows users to quickly and easily analyze and report on data contained within the ADEPT-developed programs.

PDS-C requires no knowledge of C programming and adds the benefits of source code for easy modification of a software solution prior to development. Beta tests show execution speeds increasing 60 to 200 percent without addtional memory, and up to 500 percent when applications involve extensive data manipulation.

The PDS-C Source Generator has three components. First, the source generator creates standard C source code from programs developed with PDS-ADEPT. The C source code is then compiled and bound with the PDS Procedure Library and the platform system libraries.

The PDS Procedure Library source code and library files make up the Development Kit, the second component of the PDS-C Source Generator. The Development Kit is hardware-specific, and lets the programmer port applications from one platform to another.

The third component, User Access Software, is utilized by each master workstation, or server, that will execute a compiled PDS-C application. User Access Software is used to set up the user's operating environment and password security.

PDS-C Source Generator is priced from $3,000 to $45,000 suggested list, depending on the system platform, and requires a $100 to $1,400 user access fee. For further information, contact Parameter Driven Software, 359 Enterprise Ct., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302. (800) 955-OPEN; (313) 335-7475; FAX (313) 335-7346.

Turbo Brief combines all the errors and warnings from a mixed language Make into a single error window. From this you point and click or hot-key to jump directly to the correct source file and line, no matter which source language. After your corrections, hot-key right back to the error window and repeat. This Automagic error tracking cuts several minutes from every edit-Make-run-debug cycle.

Turbo Brief includes a standard makefile which can Make most projects as is. It lets a software engineer spend more energy concentrating on software design and less on the mechanics of how to do a Make. A single hot-key launches your choice of UNIX-style Make or your own batch file Make.

Your choice of debugger: Turbo Debugger, Codeview, etc. has been integrated, with Brief and your favorite compilers. This Integrated Software Engineering Environment includes all the power and convenient familiarity of your favorite stand-alone tools.

Brief users can move up to Turbo Brief easily without relearning keys by using the power key set, a super-set of the original Brief keys. They will discover that editing power has been substantially increased with the number of hot-key functions doubled. A pull-down main menu and a command history pick list, a command response editing window have been added.

A second key-map has been provided that is a super-set of the Borland Turbo I.D.E./Debugger keys. This allows users of Borland languages to easily move up to Turbo Brief without relearning keys.

Brief v3.0-3.1 is required. The price is $249.50 plus $10 shipping and handling.

For more information, or to order, contact OurSoft at P. O.Box 6396, Bellevue, WA 98008-0396. (206) 643-0204.

The Source Level Debugger is part of Softaid's UEM series of In-Circuit Emulators. It supports compilers from a number of vendors, giving the user freedom to chose those tools best optimized to his application. Sierra C is the first compiler supported by Softaid's new 68000 UEM emulator. Sierra C is specifically targeted toward embedded environments.

Softaid sells the 68000 UEM emulator with the Source Level Debugger and Sierra C interface as one integrated package. Systems are available for $6,495 from stock. Contact Softaid, Inc., 8300 Guilford Rd., Columbia, MD 21046. (301) 290-7760; (800) 433-8812; FAX (301) 596-1852.

For more information, contact Objective Solutions, 23200 Chagrin Blvd., Commerce Park Square, Bldg. 2, Suite 105, Cleveland, OH 44122. (216) 292-2546.

The new version adds enhanced debugging features. The library now provides the ability to identify the line number and source file of a statement that generates an error. The error can be not only a critical error, but any of 27 errors (or any selected subset of them) detectable by the Dolphin functions.

A utility is now included to display any Dolphin function declaration from the DOS command line. If your program editor allows access to the command line, then this utility will be very helpful while programming.

The documentation has been revised and the debugging features of the Far Memory Manager are now presented in practical detail.

The library supports both Turbo-C/C++ and Microsoft C v5.10/6.00 and is supplied in small, medium, and large memory models.

The price of the library is $99. For more information, contact Dolphin Software, 48 Shattuck Square #147, Berkeley, CA, 94704. (415) 644-9530; FAX (415) 641-2651.

The library is priced at $125. For more information, contact Dolphin Software, 48 Shattuck Square #147, Berkeley, CA 94704. (415) 644-9530; FAX (415) 641-2651.

The C Development Environment reverse engineers source code into designs and generates source code from designs, and it maintains consistency between them throughout the development process. Developers can modify either the design or the code, or both, and sychronize them easily. Mangagers can have design diagrams of existing code and work in progress. Everyone can have complete documentation.

The C Development Environment integrates tools from leading vendors into an open solution for developing C software on UNIX workstations and servers.

Design Generator for C reverse engineers existing C source code into complete design representations and specification documents, and stores the information in a shared repository. The result is a full system view that includes structure charts with parameters, and data structure diagrams. All code and design information is deposited in a shared repository. Code Generator for C produces ANSI or K&R C source code frames for design information stored in the repository. Developers can start with designs and generate C source code. As the work proceeds, the C Development Environment synchronization facility maintains consistency between designs and code by incrementally updating one to reflect changes in the other.

The C Development Environment provdes multiple views of the systems being developed. Its navigation facility enables users to move easily among code, design, and documentation. For example, simply by selecting a function in the source code view in Saber-C, a user can immediately see that function's design representation in Software through Pictures.

The C Development Environment query facility derives valuable information stored in the repository to help users make good decisions throughout the development process. Users can use the query facility to understand how objects in the system affect each other and to locate unused or redundant code. The query facility also encourages reuse of existing software modules by allowing users to select and evaluate modules of trusted quality, and adapt and incorporate them into new applications with a minimum of effort.

A typical small work group configuration of the C Development Environment costs about $10,000 for each user. Design Generator for C costs $6,000, and Code Generator for C costs $3,000 for a single license. The new C Development Environment is available August 1 on Sun SPARCstations and will be available on digital ULTRIX, HP 9000, and IBM RS/6000 workstations within three months. Contact Interactive Development Environments, 595 Market St., 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. (415) 543-0900; FAX (415) 543-0145.

Version 3.10 adds VT-52 and VT-100 terminal emulation to the ANSI and TTY capabilities already available. 1K-XMODEM, 1K-XMODEM-G, and YMODEM-G batch file transfer protocols are supported, and a new function has been included to improve processing of modem responses. Also included are the Interrupt 0x14 Redirection feature, which makes the C Async Library network-compatible, and a special background timer feature that allows functions to be called at specific time intervals. Other features include support for Huge model queues, micro channel and 16550 UART compatibility, support for up to 115K Baud, and expanded compiler support (WATCOM C, Microsoft C v6.0, Borland Turbo C/C++, Microsoft QuickC, and Jensen & Partners TopSpeed C). The library also features flow control, Smartmodem support, high-level remote input, character filtering, video functions, and free technical support.

The Silvercomm C Asnyc Library SPCS v3.10 is $249. Registered SilverComm C Async users can upgrade to v3.10 for $25. For more information, contact SilverWare, Inc., 3010 LBJ Freeway, Ste. 740, Dallas, TX 75234. (214) 247-0131; FAX (214) 406-9999.

The new version operates with fixed or variable task priorities using pre-emptive scheduling between task priorities and round-robin scheduling within a priority. New executive services permit access of a system object (queue, mailbox, memory partition, etc.) with optional blocking while others permit inquiries about the state of a system object. The timer manager has been completely revised in the new version to improve efficiency and timing accuracy and to permit those executive services which block the requesting task to limit duration of the blockage by a specified timeout period.

Being written almost entirely in C makes RTXC highly portable to different processors. Current ports exist for the Intel iAPX 80x86 family as well as Motorola's MC680x0 family of processors including the MC68302 and the new high-performance M683xx microcontoller. Other microcontroller ports are available for the Intel 80x96 and Motorola's M68HC11 and the new M68HC16. A new port for protected mode operation in Intel's 80386 will soon be released as well as ports to the Intel 8051 microcontroller and Analog Devices AD2100 family of DSP processors.

RTXC ports are available with bindings to C compilers from Microsoft (C v5.1 and v6.0), Borland International (C++), Intermetrics/Whitesmith's Microtec Research, Sierra Systems, Software Development Systems (Cross Code C), Introl Corporation, Intel, Archimedes, Metaware (High C), and Analog Devices.

The RTXC distribution package includes all source code for the kernel, an interactive system generation package (RTXCgen), and a system level debugging aid (RTXCbug). RTXC documentation includes a new 250-page User's Manual and a separate Binding Manual for each processor and compiler combination. Free telephone support and product upgrades are available during the initial six months warranty period and may be optionally extended.

RTXC v3 remains available for a one-time site license fee of $2,995 and is free of royalties during its continued use by the licensee. For information about availablility, delivery, processor/compiler bindings or a free demonstration diskette, contact A.T. Barrett & Associates, 11501 Chimney Rock, Houston, TX 77035. (713) 728-9688; (800) 525-4302; FAX (713) 728-1049.

The FreeForm debugger package includes a transparent monitor program for these 68000-series based boards. The monitor is able to retrieve the target's register contents and other information to the debugger and thereby eliminate the need for expensive hardware emulators.

Software developers can use FreeForm to connect any MS-DOS or UNIX computer directly to the target hardware through an RS-232 cable. FreeForm will debug fully optimized code and can debug code in real-time. Because it will run on a lap-top computer, Freeform can be taken on location to debug a program in the field.

The FreeForm debugger is fully integrated with the CrossCode C compiler. Crosscode C is a complete development system for developing ROMable 68000-series applications. It includes a fully ANSI standard C compiler, a macro relocating assembler, linker, librarian, downloader, symbol listing utility, and startup routine.

CrossCode C and FreeForm are available together for $3,490. The package is available from dealers and distributors worldwide or directly from Software Development Systems, Inc. For further information or to order, contact Software Development Systems, Inc., 4248 Belle Aire Lane, Downers Grove, IL 60515. (800) 448-7733; (708)-971-8513; FAX (708) 971-8513.

The result of a strategic alliance announced in November 1990, the availabliilty of the integrated products is of particular importance to software developers creating large-scale, data-intensive applications out of pre-existing object libraries, including CAD, CASE, electronic publishing and financial applications. This integration will give users the tools they need to retrieve, debug, and graphically browse objects in a variety of ways and quickly create database applications. In addition, because both products support C and C++, companies that want to move to object-oriented programming now have a solution that lets them protect their investment in C as well as immediately benefit from reuse of existing code libraries, easier maintenance and greater extensibility of software.

Developers now have interactive access to the ObjectStore database through Saber-C++. Object-oriented programs can be developed, debugged and tested in the Saber-C++ programming environment and the resulting object can be easily stored in the ObjectStore database. Likewise, objects stored in the database can be "transparently" retrieved and brought into Saber-C++. The developer can then use Saber-C++ to manipulate and browse objects stored in the ObjectStore database as naturally as any other C++ object. This flexibility facilitates modular development, rapid prototyping, and testing, resulting in significant productivity gains.

Saber-C++ is a UNIX programming environment for writing, understanding and enhancing C++ programs. It integrates a C++ interpreter, a comprehensive source-level debugger, graphical browsers, an incremental linker and a runtime C++ error detection system: ObjectStore is an ODBMS for developers of highly interactive, design-oriented applications written in C and C++. Along with providing complete database capabilities, the ODBMS works with existing applications and fully supports object-oriented development using C and C++.

Contact Saber Software, Inc., 10 Fawcett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-1110. (617) 498-3000; FAX (617) 868-6655.

The C++ browser allows a developer to view classes and structures in a window that pops up on the screen. Programmers can browse according to class hierarchy, member variables, or member functions. Once the programmer makes his or her selection from the window, the editing process can begin from within BRIEF. When it later becomes necessary to edit from another class or function, the browser can be called once again by using keyboard commands or the mouse.

The browser can scan multiple files, allowing a programmer to have access to all files in the system, not just those currently stored in memory. BRIEFor C++ automatically loads the relevant files, positioning the cursor to the relevant member variable, member function, or class.

The price of BRIEFor C++ is $129. Bundled with BRIEF v3.1, the price is $339. BRIEFor C++ requires BRIEF v3.0 or higher, IBM PC or 100 percent compatibles with hard disk drive and minimum 256K RAM (512K RAM recommended; 640K RAM preferred).

For information, contact Solution Systems, 372 Washington St., Wellesley, MA 02181. (800) 677-0001; (617) 431-2313; FAX (617) 740-0089.