microchip programming

[IceMan30]

I'm working on a project where I'm programming an ARM microchip that acts as the "brains" on a custom board with other off-the-shelf components. In programming the ARM chip, you can program the other hardware components. Since I'm not overly experienced as a programmer, and not very familiar with hardware development, I've got some questions. I've been told that due to the nature of my custom board and what its doing (some high-speed timing stuff), I should use some flavor of RTOS. Now I've also been told that RTOS is not necessary as I can program commands for my components right into the ARM c-code compiler. What's the more correct or better solution? And how does this all fit in with interrupts (and particularly software-interrupts).

 

[MikeHalloran]

If this is a commercial project, you should rent an experienced programmer to help you figure out what to do and how to do it.

If it's a hobby project, do it both ways and learn.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[IceMan30]

Allow me to clarify...

Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, comments, etc as to the use and effectiveness of an RTOS for microchip circuits for high-speed timing?

I was just trying to cast the proverbial "wider net" in regards to getting additional opinions and viewpoints.

 

[IRstuff]

It's not mandatory, but generally it will make life easier. Otherwise, you have to write essentially our own OS.

Ostensibly, an RTOS is constructed to give deterministic interrupt response time, while something like Windows will often not.

TTFN

FAQ731-376
Chinese prisoner wins Nobel Peace Prize

 

[MikeHalloran]

If you elect to not use an RTOS, I suggest that you:
- study the documentation for an appropriate RTOS.
- write your code AS IF you are using an RTOS, i.e.,
- keep the application code separate from the core hardware interface code, and
- make the interface to your core code look pretty much like the RTOS.
That way, you can easily plug in the RTOS if you need it.

Also, at the lowest level, try to encapsulate the code associated with each chip or IP block, and give it an interface that's independent of which type of chip it is. ... so you can later substitute a different chip or IP block with minimal impact.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[IceMan30]

Some good thoughts to chew on...thanks guys!

 

[MacGyverS2000]

If it's high-speed timing I'm mostly interested in, I'll stay far away from an RTOS. An RTOS removes a level of control I want to retain. If timing is not the only thing I need to worry about, then I have to weight the pros/cons of having the RTOS baggage around.

What type of project is this for?

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com