Embedded software is no longer written in assembly language macros. In fact, the same high-level languages and tools used for writing embedded software are the same tools used for designing application software of non-embedded computers. However, embedded software is still decidedly different from non-embedded application software. With embedded software, the constraints are tighter and the requirements are stricter. This dichotomy has produced two different simulation methodologies: the traditional hardware-related simulation that consists of a target-based development; and host-based simulation which is quickly becoming the preferred method within the embedded community.

This paper discusses host-based simulation and introduces two new tools that utilize this type of technology.