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TargetLink 4.2: Merging Function and Production Software Development

  • Strategic Enhancement of the dSPACE Production Code Generator
  • Function development on existing ECUs (on-target bypassing)
  • Extended AUTOSAR support for multicore and automotive Ethernet applications
  • C enum generation, improved MISRA C compliance, and more

Wixom, Michigan, December 6, 2016: With its latest version 4.2, dSPACE’s production code generator, TargetLink, now supports on-target bypassing for function development on existing electronic control units (ECUs). For production code development, TargetLink 4.2 also provides extended AUTOSAR support for multicore and automotive Ethernet applications and also lets software developers generate enumeration types (C enums). What is more, TargetLink 4.2 also considers and complies with the latest additions to the MISRA guidelines.

Function Development on Existing ECUs (On-Target Bypassing)

By supporting on-target bypassing, TargetLink 4.2 merges production software development and function development. If developers want to extend the software functionality of an existing production ECU, they can now perform function development directly on the ECU itself if it provides sufficient I/O and available resources. By using the code generator in combination with the dSPACE ECU Interface Software, developers now benefit from highly efficient TargetLink code as early as close-to-production prototyping. This enables them to identify the required resources early on, reduces project risks, and ensures a smooth transition to series production.

Extended AUTOSAR Support for Multicore and Automotive Ethernet Applications

For AUTOSAR-compliant development, TargetLink 4.2 improves the performance of multicore systems via asynchronous client-server communication. Moreover, TargetLink now simplifies the data exchange within AUTOSAR Software Components by using non-scalar component variables (interrunnable variables). In addition, TargetLink 4.2 fully supports automotive Ethernet in AUTOSAR Software Components for the first time.

C Enum Generation, Improved MISRA C Compliance, and More

It is now also possible to generate enumeration types and variables (C enums) with TargetLink, which further increases the code’s readability and makes integrating existing code much easier. In addition, version 4.2 once more increases MISRA C compliance of the TargetLink code, including the current MISRA C:2012 Amendment 1. For modeling in Simulink®/Stateflow®, TargetLink now offers even more possibilities due to the use of Stateflow Superstep semantics, activity signals for different states, and easier bus handling. In order to simplify and automate the use of TargetLink in large, distributed teams, the production code generator can be connected to the dSPACE data management software SYNECT. A new version of the SYNECT Add-On for TargetLink will be available soon.

About TargetLink:

TargetLink, dSPACE’s production code generator, generates highly efficient C code directly from Simulink/Stateflow models. It supports efficient, modular development and is ISO 26262-, ISO 25119- and IEC 61508-certified. Since its launch in 1999, TargetLink has been used in numerous production projects all over the world. TargetLink’s outstanding capabilities include its excellent code quality, strong software design and test features, high reliability, development process integration, and support of standards such as AUTOSAR, ASAM MCD-2 MC (ASAP2), FMI (Functional Mock-up Interface), and MISRA (Motor Industry Software Reliability Association).

About dSPACE:

dSPACE develops and distributes integrated hardware and software tools for developing and testing electronic control units and mechatronic controls. The application areas for dSPACE systems are primarily in the automotive industry, but also in drives technology, aerospace, and other industrial sectors. The company’s customer base includes virtually all major vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. With more than 1,200 employees worldwide, dSPACE is located in Paderborn, Germany; has three project centers in Germany; and serves customers through local dSPACE companies in the USA, the UK, France, Japan, and China.

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