TargetLink
Encyclopedia
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:
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.
Simulink
Simulink, developed by MathWorks, is a commercial tool for modeling, simulating and analyzing multidomain dynamic systems. Its primary interface is a graphical block diagramming tool and a customizable set of block libraries. It offers tight integration with the rest of the MATLAB environment and...
/Stateflow
Stateflow
Stateflow, developed by MathWorks, is a control logic tool used to model reactive systems via state charts and flow diagrams within a Simulink model...
models by dSPACE GmbH. TargetLink requires an existing MATLAB
MATLAB
MATLAB is a numerical computing environment and fourth-generation programming language. Developed by MathWorks, MATLAB allows matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data, implementation of algorithms, creation of user interfaces, and interfacing with programs written in other languages,...
/Simulink
Simulink
Simulink, developed by MathWorks, is a commercial tool for modeling, simulating and analyzing multidomain dynamic systems. Its primary interface is a graphical block diagramming tool and a customizable set of block libraries. It offers tight integration with the rest of the MATLAB environment and...
model.
TargetLink generates both ANSI-C
ANSI C
ANSI C refers to the family of successive standards published by the American National Standards Institute for the C programming language. Software developers writing in C are encouraged to conform to the standards, as doing so aids portability between compilers.-History and outlook:The first...
, as well as production code optimized for specific processors. TargetLink also supports the generation of AUTOSAR
AUTOSAR
AUTOSAR is an open and standardized automotive software architecture, jointly developed by automobile manufacturers, suppliers and tool developers...
-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
Simulink
Simulink, developed by MathWorks, is a commercial tool for modeling, simulating and analyzing multidomain dynamic systems. Its primary interface is a graphical block diagramming tool and a customizable set of block libraries. It offers tight integration with the rest of the MATLAB environment and...
, which was also used for the specification of the underlying simulation models. TargetLink supports three simulation modes to test the generated code:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.