TargetLink

TargetLink is a software for automatic production code generation based on a subset of Simulink/Stateflow models by dSPACE GmbH. TargetLink requires an existing MATLAB/Simulink model. TargetLink generates both ANSI-C, as well as production code optimized for specific processors. TargetLink also supports the generation of AUTOSAR-compliant code for software components for the automotive sector. The management of all relevant information for code generation takes place in a central data container, called the Data Dictionary.

The test of the generated code is implemented in Simulink, which was also used for the specification of the underlying simulation models. TargetLink supports three simulation modes to test the generated code:

1. Model-in-the-loop simulation (MIL): In this mode the model design can be checked. The MIL is also known as floating-point simulation, since there is typically a floating-point variables.
2. Software-in-the-loop (SIL): The simulation is based on the execution of generated code, which runs on a PC system. The variables are typically plain or fixed point numbers.
3. Processor-in-the-loop (PIL): In the PIL, the generated code running on the target hardware or on an evaluation board. By including so-called real-time frames, it is possible to transfer the simulation results as well as memory consumption and runtime information to the PC.

The Motor Industry Software Reliability Association (MISRA) published official MISRA modeling guidelines for TargetLink in late 2007, which are particularly important for functional safety of safety-critical applications. In 2009, TÜV SÜD certified TargetLink for use during the development of safety-critical systems to ISO DIS 2626 and IEC 61508.

References

• An Overview of Embedded System Design Education at Berkeley
• MISRA Autocode Forum - Real-life experience of using a modelling subset for TargetLink in safety-related work
• Working with TargetLink Models in Reactis

External links

• TargetLink product page