SEGGER has added a complete instruction set simulator to its latest version of Embedded Studio for ARM.
A complete instruction set simulator is a software tool that emulates the behavior and functionality of a specific processor architecture at the instruction level. It allows developers to simulate the execution of machine instructions and analyze the behavior of programs without the need for physical hardware.
The simulator provides a virtual environment where developers can test and debug their software, even before the target hardware is available. It accurately mimics the processor’s instruction set, registers, memory, and other architectural components, enabling developers to understand how their code will execute on the actual hardware.
By using a complete instruction set simulator, developers can gain insights into the performance characteristics, timing, and behavior of their programs. They can step through instructions, examine register values, and observe memory accesses to identify and fix issues in their code. It also helps in evaluating the efficiency and correctness of algorithms and software optimizations.
Simulation tools like complete instruction set simulators are particularly useful in scenarios where hardware resources are limited or unavailable. They enable developers to test their software in a controlled environment, replicate specific conditions, and perform extensive debugging and analysis. Additionally, simulators are valuable for educational purposes, allowing students and engineers to learn and experiment with different processor architectures without the need for physical hardware.
This follows the recently added compiler, linker and runtime support for ARM64, which made it possible to generate and debug ARM64 programs, for devices such as, but not limited to, Cortex-A53, Cortex-A57, and Cortex-A72.
Adding the simulator brings ARM64 support to the same level as all other architectures supported by Embedded Studio.
Embedded Studio for ARM is available on all platforms (Linux, macOS, and Windows) on Arm, Intel, and Apple Silicon.
Simulation can be used when hardware is scarce or even before it is available. It is also ideal for programming away from the office, as well as for automated testing.
“Due to its complexity, ARM64 was the first architecture we ever introduced that did not have a simulator from the outset,” says Rolf Segger, founder of SEGGER. “We make a point of having simulators for all supported architectures, and ARM64 is no longer an exception.”
“A simulator is – amongst many other things – a great tool for an engineer or student to use to become familiar with a new architecture,” explains Dirk Akemann, Marketing Manager at SEGGER. “With Embedded Studio, it is very easy to generate programs and execute them in the simulator. Download, install and go, all in a matter of minutes. It simply works. We are happy to be able to make professional tools available to everybody.”
With SEGGER’s friendly licensing, software can be used for evaluation, and for educational and non-commercial purposes, free of charge, with no restrictions in terms of code size, features or duration of use.
Reference: https://www.segger.com/news/segger-adds-arm64-simulator-to-embedded-studio-for-arm/
