µVISION: Conversion Process for Debug Symbols for Emulators

Information in this article applies to:

• µVision all Versions

QUESTION

I am using the Hitex emulator, Hitop software, and the Keil PK51 µVision IDE. How do I configure the µVision IDE to work with the Hitop software and emulator?

ANSWER

The µVision and HiTop software is seamlessly integrated. However, there are a few things that need to be done to see your source code and symbol information in your emulator software.

1. Make sure that you're loading the absolute object file (created by the linker), not the hex-format file. The Intel hex file format does not allow debug information to be included. The absolute object file, if you're using µVision, will have a filename of PROJECTNAME. (no extension.)
2. Make sure that proper controls are turned on for the linker, assembler, and compiler. Use DEBUG for the Assembler. Use DEBUG and OBJECTEXTEND for the C compiler. To accomplish this in µVision - Project - Options for Target "TargetFilename" - Output, just check Debug Information.
3. For some emulators, source files must be located in the same directory as the absolute object file. If your configuration does not allow for this, your emulator software should provide a means of telling it where to find your source files. Remember, the OMF (absolute object) file does not contain your source code - it only contains references to filenames and line numbers. The source must be read from the actual source code file by your emulator software.
4. Now you must run the Hitex symbols converter program for the Keil compiler. To enter this in µVision - Project - Options for Target "TargetFilename" - Output - Execute after make - Hitop Program SPxxxKe.exe (Browse to find the Hitex subdirectory of this executable.
5. Then when you open and run the project in µVision, and Hitop has that targetfilename converted and loaded into the emulator, when you do another µVision build, Hitop will alert you that the converted file has changed by asking "Do you want to down load it into the emulator"?

MORE INFORMATION

• Getting started with µVision - Chapter 4. Creating Applications

SEE ALSO

• C51: Where Is the Absolute OMF Object Module?
• C51: Source Code Doesn't Display in My Emulator
• GENERAL: Source/Symbols in Emulator Software
• GENERAL: Signum 8051 Emulator Symbol Converter

Last Reviewed: Friday, February 5, 2021