Unit Testing Math Functions in the Target Processor

Many software organizations use a host-based unit test system that employs a processor different from that which the ultimate target product possesses. Many modern cross-compilers can exploit specific microprocessor's op-codes which are optimized for math operations. Also, some math functions may be encoded using assembly language to gain certain efficiencies.

Because math accuracy is vital to the proper operation of control system execution, it is desirable to ensure that math is tested in the target processor to validate that no unexpected results occur. This paper will examine the implementation of a special math test environment that can be conditionally linked into an existing embedded application and executed in a controlled environment to verify the math library.