Simulating embedded targets for efficient code implementation

Nowadays design of embedded systems for controlling processes requires high complexity software modules. In this way, the automatic code generation approach for designing such embedded systems seems to be the most competitive solution in terms of cost-effectiveness and performance. The solution holds some of the advantages: most of the software tooling required for designing an embedded controller will consist in a control algorithm simulator (as Matlab/Simulink) and code generation software for deploying the algorithm into the embedded controller along with some drawbacks: lack of code efficiency and a difficult optimization process. For that solution, code generation templates and S-function compilers are widely spread and cover a large family of microcontrollers and microprocessor. The paper will present a method for developing an embedded target simulator for efficient code implementation along with a step-by-step procedure for code optimization. Deployment tests and experimental results will be also covered for a simple PID algorithm as test reference.