A new consortium of embedded systems companies is aiming to standardize the debugging process for embedded control applications. The Global Embedded Processor Debug Interface Standard Consortium includes three embedded processor suppliers – Hitachi Semiconductor Inc, Motorola Inc and Siemens Microelectronics Inc – and tools suppliers ETAS Inc and Hewlett- Packard Co. The goal is a general purpose specification, but initially the effort will focus on automotive powertrain applications. Data communications and computer peripherals, wireless systems and control applications will all benefit from the new interface, the companies said. The consortium will define and implement an embedded processor specification, publish it as an open standard and establish a validation methodology and process. Other embedded processor and tools companies will also be asked to join. An alpha version of the spec already exists, and the next meeting to discuss the project will be held in San Jose this month. A web site for the organization can be found at www.nexus-standard.org
