Dash Debug Adaptor and DA-Script

Our range of in-circuit development hardware allows you to quickly connect up to your target hardware and start work.

The Dash family of hardware and software debug products is designed to form a high-performance link between CODESCAPE and the hardware under development. They provide complete control of the target processor, including the ability to do ROM-less boot for hardware testing, and also provide high-speed communication channels to the PC via Ethernet.

For applications that don't require the power of CODESCAPE, such as product test and commissioning, various control methods are available including communication DLLs and Windows-hosted scripting such as Python and JScript.

The Dash is an intelligent device that offers a complete low-level debug capability and provides high-speed communication channels between the host computer and the target. The Dash supports the complete development cycle from system test to application development, including profiling and developing your own tools via a low-level API, IMGDial.

Dash Target Interface for communication between target and host Communication between target and host

The Dash uses the on-chip debug features of SH cores to provide full control of the target processor and the memory and peripherals attached to it. The Dash connects to the target system processor via Renesas's User Debug Interface (H-UDI), using the JTAG protocol, at speeds of up to 1.5Mbytes/s.

Connection between the Dash and the host PC is via Ethernet at up to 1Mbytes/s. This enables remote debugging and loading onto targets, even when the Dash is on a different subnet from the host PC.

The Dash startup options include; initializing the target hardware RAM and peripherals, firmware boot or trace, or booting with full debug support.

DA-Script

DA-Script is a COM object that provides high-level access to the Dash's full functionality, including debug symbol manipulation and expression evaluation. DA-Script supports scripting languages such as JScript and Python and is invoked from a scripting host such as Windows Scripting Host. The DA-Script debugging commands include reading and writing memory and registers, loading and running programs, and setting breakpoints.

System development

The Dash does not need any pre-existing code or initialized memory on the target system, making it ideal for system development and production test. The Dash can also be used to load firmware onto production devices.

System test and flash programming

System test and flash programming can be perfomed with either the IMGDial DLL or DA-Script commands. Using DA-Script, the process is controlled using a script on the host PC. Alternatively, the script can be replaced by an application written in any language that interfaces to IMGDial directly.

Connecting the Dash

The debug adapator is supplied with a ribbon cable suitable for connection to standard JTAG ports. The Ethernet connection is made using standard RJ45 connectors.

Debug Adaptor Features

• Configure the Dash's JTAG clock frequency and reset options.
• Simultaneously control multiple Dash units.
• Read and write the target processor's registers.
• Read and write any location in the target processor's address space.
• Start and stop target program execution.
• Communicate with a program running on the target system via the Dash's high-speed communications channels.
• Load a binary image file to the target memory.
• Copy data from one target to another.
• Set code or data watch breakpoints.
• Load a program file (ELF or COFF format), with debug information.

Specification

Processor	32-bit SH2 @ 28MHz (28MIPS).
Memory	8Mbytes RAM.
Ethernet interface	10base-T with RJ45 connector. Fixed IP address or DHCP. Routable IP protocols.
Dimensions	30mm(H) x 80mm(W) x 150mm(D)..
Weight	185g
Working Temperature	0 to +40 deg.C ambient.
Working Humidity	0% to 80% RH (non-condensing).
Authorization	FCC Class A, CE, VCCI (pending).

Warranty

12 months return-to-base.