Downloading and debugging program for rad-hard RISC-microcontroller

The article deals with the optimization of the software development process for rad-hard 1887VE6T microcontroller. Due to the features encountered in microcontroller development, software development process is limited by some frames:

there is no JTAG debugger. Debugging code is made with a logic analyzer, by testing signals on the controller\'s legs;

the lack of alternative external memory microcontroller programming. Work only with the programmer: you need to constantly swap memory chip, which is inconvenient and eventually lead to its failure. It is also not possible to record a program in the finished device, wherein all the chips are soldered to the PCB.

Due to these shortcomings, it was decided to develop a software module that allows to carry out loading and debugging code in program memory directly from your PC via the serial port.

To create a program loader has been proposed algorithm works with a computer and workstation, which includes:

USB-UART adapter;

1887VE6T microcontroller;

memory chip bootloader - the program is stored on the receiving and writing into the memory code;

chip program memory - the memory that will be will be stored as a program for the further implementation of;

personal computer with a terminal program.

Also discussed are some simple debugging functions - reading general purpose registers and random memory areas.