Need to run old 8051 firmware

Smith · 2010-04-19T13:53:25+00:00

Hello allI need to run an old firmware for a Siemens SAB 80C537 microcontroller unit (MCU). The MCU is now obsolete (it's from the late 1980s).The firmware is compiled from several thousand rows of assembly language. It would take a long time to understand the code and re-program it in C.So I'm thinking of using an 8051 IP-core for a FPGA and run the firmware code without any changes to the code.Any one here had any luck with this kind of problem?

Apr 19, 2010 23 Replies

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Tilmann Reh 16 years ago

Chris H schrieb:

Even with several ten thousands rows of assembler that needs not be a problem. BTDT. It's a matter of structure and documentation. (I am still doing many projects completely in assembler.)

Even with C you need to access the SFRs (ports, peripherals) somehow. If these accesses are splattered across the whole sources, it doesn't matter if it's C or assembler.

Memory allocation is normally uncritical, since that is easily portable between many similar derivatives. Of course, if you previously had a device with large XRAM (being used indeed) and try to port that to a smaller chip, you'll run into problems... But again, in this case C wouldn't help you either.

Basically, the part that you can leave unchanged with C, is the same part that you can leave unchanged with assembler.

Tilmann

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Dave Nadler 16 years ago

ge.

I used this firm to port some IBM assembler to C. Their tools actually worked well, except for the self-modifying code, which tripped them up ;-) Make sure its a fixed-price contract...

The correct URL is:

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Hope that helps ! Best Regards, Dave

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An Schwob in the USA 16 years ago

My 2 cents.

The 537 comes in a 84-pin package, so finding a "modern" part with that much I/O is going to be a challenge, this was a top of the line

51-device in the late 80s

It has a MUL/DIV unit to accelerate 32/16 DIV and / or 16x16 MUL, much faster than a library. The only other device I know with the same MUL/DIV unit is the C509, unfortunately that one comes in a 100 pin package and is afaik a true superset of the 80C537.

So, as pointed out, the lowest cost and by far fastest option is to find a broker. Hint: you can use the 80C517 as well because it is drop in compatible. The EA pin will always be connected for start from external memory when using a 80C537, so the 80C517 behaves EXACTLY like a 80C537 as long as the EA pin is not connected to the start from internal ROM option.

Hope this helps, An Schwob Once upon a time I was an FAE supporting the 80C5x7, I know (knew?) these devices really well ;-) If it comes down to it to re-engineer or port to a different device and you need professional help, write me an e-mail to microcontroller addgmaildotcom

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-jg 16 years ago

Yes, the 80C517/80C517A may give him enough parts, to not need much Sw effort at all...

-jg

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