[mc1322x] Using the ROM

[Jon Smirl]

On Thu, Jul 30, 2009 at 1:47 PM, Umberto Manzoli<ruytenburch at gmail.com> wrote:
> Dear Jon,
>    GCC cannot handle the LLC.a library, as the linker (binutils) cannot
> understand R_ARM_THM_PC8 relocations. Usually R_ARM_THM_PC8 relocations are
> generated at compile time to use constant values that cannot reside in asm
> instructions. These constants are placed in a pool at the end of the
> function. R_ARM_THM_PC8 are resolved by compiler and not handled by linker.
>
> We asked Freescale to release the source code, but they answered that the
> rom-patching mechanism used by ROM and LLC.a is being covered by some
> patents so they are not allowed to distribute source code of LLC.a. Without
> some functions - usually not exposed - in LLC.a, ROM functions could not
> work or could exhibit wrong behaviour.
>
> Obviously, you can disassemble LLC.a and use the generated assembly code to
> replace the library if you are compiling with GCC, as Mariano did with SMAC.
> By the way, take care of the software licence shown when Beekit is going to
> be installed: it explicitely states that the end-user cannot disassemble any
> kind of library. Even if Freescale's library is going to show errors...

I sent a new SPR in, maybe they have a new product manager who will ok
the release. If this doesn't work I will try talking to their Linux
kernel people.

-------

What is the licensing status of the code in the mc13224v ROM? I don't
want to use Beestack, but I want to use the ROM.

You have only released an IAR compatible link library for this ROM.
This library is incompatible with GCC. We are already using GCC
compilers in our mpc5200, MX31 and MX35 projects, I don't want to deal
with another C compiler.

I have been told that you can't release the source for the ROM because
of patents over ROM patching. But that does not make sense, in a
patent you are required to disclose the algorithm being used. By
purchasing a mc13224v from you, you have granted me a license to use
this patching code, right? The algorithm is not secret, is has been
disclosed in the patent application.

Note, we don't need the source to existing LLC.a which is probably
licensed form an outside vendor. The source to the ROM will allow the
creation of a new, GCC compatible LLC.a. I am hoping you own the
license to the code in your own ROM chip and can choose to release the
source.

In general I don't see that there is any secret code in this ROM other
than the patented ROM patching, and I'm assuming you licensed me to
use that by selling the chip to me. I'm not trying to link to GPL
licensed code so GPL issues are not involved. The whole point of this
ROM is to save memory by using it, but I need to link to it in order
to use it.

Freescale has a very good record with open source. I work with your
Linux kernel people all of the time, and Linux support is excellent on
mpc5200, MX31 and MX35. Can you please apply these open source
principles to the mc13224v?

-------


>
>
>
> 2009/7/30 Jon Smirl <jonsmirl at gmail.com>
>>
>> What are the problems with using the ROM? Can GCC not link to LLC.a?
>> All of the header files appear to be present and all of the routines I
>> have checked are documented.
>>
>> Has anyone filed an SPR and asked for source code to it?
>>
>> --
>> Jon Smirl
>> jonsmirl at gmail.com
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>
>



-- 
Jon Smirl
jonsmirl at gmail.com