ADVANCED VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES, Inc.Undisplayed Graphic
Data sheet 056, March 1995

AVT-1850 - A Development System for J1850 Networks

The Challenge of Vehicle Network Development

Developers of vehicle based multiplexed networks and nodes are challenged with building complex real time systems and measuring their performance. Often the engineers have to deal with memory limitations and rigid timing constraints. Further complicating the effort is the fact that the target hardware is unavailable until late in the development cycle.

The AVT Solution

For the developer of SAE standard J1850 (VPW) networks Advanced Vehicle Technologies offers, as a solution, the AVT-1850.

Designed to be used with a standard PC, this board and software package gives a developer immediate access to the target hardware. The software engineer has a fully functional development platform on which to design, implement, and debug network components. The hardware engineer is given early access to the interfaces of the target microcontroller. The result is: shorter development time, greater confidence, fewer unknowns, more control over the end product, and increased flexibility over the final design.

The Development Environment

The AVT-1850 software is an integrated environment that permits an engineer the opportunity to implement and debug node and network software on one platform. This software package, called the Enhanced On-line Software (EOS), consists of three functional areas: program development, program debugging, and network monitoring.

When developing the node and network software, EOS permits the engineer to create and edit the source file, assemble the source, and display assembler error messages. After compiling the source EOS downloads the software to the AVT-1850 board.

Program testing and debugging is easily done in EOS since the contents of the board’s memory and registers are accessible. The user can control program execution, examine memory contents and register values, and upload messages. Special commands can be sent to the software to simulate hard to duplicate conditions or control program flow.

EOS provides a network monitor capability to the software engineer as part of the integrated environment. Network traffic information can be used to determine network loading and response as well as serve as a debugging aid in developing a network.

EOS runs on PC-AT machines under DOS 5.0 or higher. A Windows version is due to be released later in 1995. In addition to EOS, Advanced Vehicle Technologies, Inc. provides a board level diagnostic software package.

The Hardware

The AVT-1850 board was designed to provide the most realistic development environment possible. This goal has been achieved while giving the designer maximum flexibility. The AVT-1850 board is PC-AT compatible. All network interface functions are controlled by a Harris HIP 7030A0 on-board microcontroller. The microcontroller off-loads from the host processor all network related activity thus freeing the host to perform other functions.

On-board dual port memory is mapped into the host computer’s memory space allowing the user to control and view the operation of the on-board microcontroller. The configuration and use of various types of on-board memory improves the board’s flexibility. All interfaces with the HIP 7030 microcontroller are made accessible to the designer via a rear panel connector. The interfaces include: 8 bit parallel interface, 5 bit parallel interface, serial peripheral interface (SPI), and controller interrupt and status lines. These interfaces, combined with internal timer and I/O functions, allow for the implementation of a wide variety of functions and integration with nearly any sensor, actuator, etc.

Harris Corp. SAE standard J-1850 (VPW) compliant devices are currently in production. These devices offer a cost effective, space saving, reliable, and easily configured solution to any design problem. Software developed and proven on the AVT-1850 board is directly transferable to mask ROM on the Harris HIP 7030A2 device. Since the development platform is nearly identical to the production device an immediate transition from the developmental system to full production is possible.

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Specifications

Size: 4.8 x 13.3 inches (Full size AT-board).
Weight: 14 ounces.
Voltage: +5 & +12 VDC (from PC bus).
Power: < 700 milliwatts.
Host computer: PC-AT compatible.
Host interface: ISA, 8 bit.
Connector: DB-25S.
Microcontroller: HIP 7030A0 (Harris), 68HC05 family.


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