Macraigor Systems has added support for AMD's Geode NX family of high-end x86-compatible embedded processors to its line of hardware-assisted on-chip debuggers. Additionally, it has added configurations for AMD evaluation boards to its collection of free, pre-built GNU tools suites, and pledged to… support forthcoming boards.

(Click for larger view of Macraigor's JTAG-to-USB adapter)

AMD launched its Geode NX line in May of 2004. The line is based on the same cores used in the company's “Mobile Athlon” product family, but with tweaks to process technology and transistor selections that result in lower power consumption at reduced clock rates, the company said at the time.

Macraigor says its OCDemon (on-chip debugging demon) product family includes hardware interfaces devices for JTAG debugging via parallel, serial, USB, or Ethernet connections to hosts running Linux or Windows. The line also includes software supporting “the entire development cycle,” the company says, including troubleshooting a prototype hardware design, writing and debugging boot code, programming in-circuit Flash devices, developing application-level software, and supporting manufacturing burn-in and testing.

Additionally, Macraigor says it has added sample configurations for AMD's NX-based evaluation boards to its free, pre-built GNU cross-development tools suite. The suite includes source, gdbinit, and make files for each board, it says, allowing developers to “build, download, and debug via gdb using only two commands.”

Additionally, Macraigor has committed to supporting future AMD Geode NX processor-based variants as they become available.

Erik Salo, director of microprocessor marketing at AMD, said, “Developers building thin clients, single-board computers, routers, and set-top boxes now have robust debug capabilities geared for x86 performance applications.”

Craig Haller, chief engineer at Macraigor, said, “The AMD Geode architecture enables manufacturers of audio, video, graphics and communications products to meet and exceed users' price/performance demands. The OCDemon technology is a proven on-chip debug solution that will help to accelerate our customers' development of real-time processing applications.”

 
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