C51: Do Keil Tools Work with all 8051 based Devices?

Information in this article applies to:

• C51 Version 5.50a
• C51 Version 6.02
• µVision2 Version 2.06

QUESTION

I'm using a new chip from a new silicon vendor. We're considering the C51 development tools, but we need to know if the tools work with this chip.

ANSWER

The Keil C51 development tools work with all 8051 derivatives.

When you write a C or assembly program with the Keil tools, you use the linker to create an ABSOLUTE OBJECT MODULE in OMF-51 format (which was created by Intel). More about this format may be found at the following URL.

BL51: Intel OMF-51 Object Module Specification

An absolute object module is used for 2 things:

1. Creating an Intel HEX file (using the OH51 Object-HEX converter). You can use the HEX file to program an EPROM, FLASH, or pretty much any type of memory. If you can only program BINary files, refer to the link below how to convert a HEX file to a BINary file.
2. Debugging with a simulator (like the Keil µVision2 Debugger), Debugging with a target debugger (like the Keil µVision2 Debugger and the MON51 Target monitor), or Debugging with an emulator (like those from Nohau, Hitex, Metalink, Signum, Ashling, iSystem, Ceibo, and so on). Virtually ALL 8051 emulators work with the Keil OMF-51 object module format. However, it is the responsibility of the emulator companies to implement the loader for that. We will provide specifications to any interested party.

SEE ALSO

• GENERAL: Making Binary Files from Hex Files
• OMF51 Object Module Specification
• C51: Where Is the Absolute OMF Object Module?

Last Reviewed: Thursday, February 25, 2021