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11 - Some Last Remarks
The analog loop is closed by means of the 16-bit timer which can produce accurate PWM sig-
nals, that can easily be converted to voltage using a low-pass filter.
In addition to being powerful for its size, the ST7 is also easy to use, using the available pro-
gramming tools. In particular, C language has been shown to be the language of choice, that
stands up well even when compared to C language running on much bigger machines. The
examples have shown that the best compromise is usually to write most of the program in C,
except for the very few functions that can benefit from being written in assembler. Doing so
makes the program easier to maintain, and also easier to port to a bigger model of microcon-
troller when the need arises while being able to keep most of the code. The second applica-
tion, the sailing computer, has also shown that complex calculations are not out of the reach
of the ST7. Many programmers would have struggled trying to write the same program entirely
in assembler.
STMicroelectronics offer a comprehensive range of tools to fit the needs of all users, from the
cheap, simple Starter Kit to the complete tool-set including a real-time emulator, with the inter-
mediary Development Kit that provides a remarkably good price/performance ratio.
The Starter Kit, the cheapest solution, includes the programming tools for assembly language
and an EPROM programmer. It allows to you familiarize yourself with the component, for ex-
ample to check whether it is suitable for the application you have in mind.
The Development Kit is a good value package that also provides assembly-language tools,
and a cheap but powerful emulating board. The only missing feature is real-time tracing, but it
is sufficient for simple applications. This tool really allows you to work in a professional way for
a very affordable investment.
When the additional power of real-time tracing is required, the full-fledged emulators give you
the total solution but at a higher cost.
Whatever the solution chosen, you are strongly advised to choose to program in C language,
as this book has attempted to convince you, in particular in Chapter 8 where the advantages
of high-level language programming have been highlighted.
Two C compilers are available on the market for the ST7. They come from Cosmic and Hi-
ware. The one described in this book is Hiware’s HICROSS for ST7. An evaluation version of
it is included in the ST7 CD-ROM. This version limits you to a very small program size, but this
is sufficient for a hands-on tutorial and to try building the files for the first application described
in Chapter 9 (the application in Chapter 10 is already too big for it). Buying a compiler repre-
sents a certain amount of investment, but as Chapter 8 explains, the net result of it is a profit
increase due to the ease of programming and maintaining programs written in C, not to men-
tion the advantages of portability that may prove of value in the future.
Содержание ST7 Series
Страница 1: ...ST7 8 BIT MCU FAMILY USER GUIDE JANUARY 1999 1 ...
Страница 238: ...238 317 8 C Language and the C Compiler 08 Burn bmp Then use the EPROMer programmer software as described in Chapter 7 ...
Страница 289: ...289 317 10 Second Application a Sailing Computer 10 befor Bs Rw Vw VMG AlphaR AlphaV Before the wind ...