Embedded SoftwareDevelopment Process

This article provides a generic description of the end-to-end process from C source file development to downloading machine code in the target processor. Details for a specific software suite coupled with a specific target controller may have slight differences.

As the system designer, you will write the C source files that implement the required control algorithm. The source files consist of C source code and also header files. Header files may include functions you have written, functions provided with your compiler, and also personality data for the specific processor you are using as the target system.

The C source files are compiled using a compiler for the specific target processor. The output from the compiler will be assembly code which is automatically routed to the assembler portion of the software development suite. The output from the assembler is object code which is linked with library files provided with the compiler.

The overall output will be machine code for download into the target processor. The software development suite may also provide some auxiliary files. These files provide information on memory usage and code placement within memory. These files are handy if system troubleshooting is required.

The machine code is downloaded into the target controller via a programming cable.