5.2 Creating a New Component

A component is a communications system function that is implemented in software. When modularity is desired, components implement only simple functions. Multiple components are then connected to implement more complex functions. The Component Builder allows the user to develop template code for SCA-based components given a set of properties and ports. In the generated template, a section is created where the user can enter the algorithm.

To start the stand-alone component builder, run ComponentFrame.py from within the wavedev directory:

 $ cd /sdr/tools/WaveDev/wavedev/
 $ python ComponentFrame.py

This should bring up the OSSIE Component Editor window:

There are five major steps to creating an SCA-based component using the OWD Component Editor:

1. Adding ports
2. Adding properties
3. Selecting component generation options
4. Generating the source code
5. Building and installing the binaries

These steps are described in detail in the following sections.