View Single Post
  #1   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 23-06-2002, 23:01
archiver archiver is offline
Forum Archival System
#0047 (ChiefDelphi)
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Pontiac, MI
Posts: 21,214
archiver has a reputation beyond reputearchiver has a reputation beyond reputearchiver has a reputation beyond reputearchiver has a reputation beyond reputearchiver has a reputation beyond reputearchiver has a reputation beyond reputearchiver has a reputation beyond reputearchiver has a reputation beyond reputearchiver has a reputation beyond reputearchiver has a reputation beyond reputearchiver has a reputation beyond repute
No emulators required!

Posted by Rick Berube.

Engineer on team #121, Rhode Warriors, from Middletown H.S..

Posted on 5/25/99 10:06 PM MST


In Reply to: Nearly off the shelf... posted by Joe Johnson on 5/24/99 6:55 PM MST:



Ok. Let's see if I can address these issues one at time. I have nothing against C. It's probably the best embedded high level language for mid to lower-level micros going. And its only one step away from C++. It has been around for ages (at least in computer years and is well supported by just about every development environment I can think of.

As far as the 'off-the-shelf' bullet is concerned, I heard a rumor that FIRST is having someone develop the controller for them. So perhaps you will get your wish for a COTS controller that can be purchsed. Regardless, we are talking about the need for some type of integrated development environment (IDE). I can see something like a Motorola micro which supports background debug mode (BDM). This is a great way to go. Its functional, register level access and cost effective (read CHEAP!). Mike isn't the only one on a budget. No emulators, or JTAG debuggers need apply, thank you.

I'll argue however, that if FIRST were to provided a system complex enough to require a battery of development tools, you'll see more complaints regarding this issue than those attacking the lack of power in the earlier models. I think a 'high-level, wiz-bang' system means embedding a microkernel/OS. This means someone must write one or purchase one. Last time I looked, vxWorks and Windows CE both came with a pretty good IDEs, but neither is cheap. Is someone going to strike a deal with Jerry or Bill? Are they on-board for this project?

Whatever the IDE provided, if the controller goes the route of a generic micro, one where the entire application programmer's interface (API) were a custom design, its has to be an open system. One with plenty of documentation. One where FIRST teams could contribute in a GNU-like fashion. But it has to have some straight forward tools to leverage or it'll never make it as a commercial product. There's a reason companies like Wind River and Microsoft are doing so well. Software at this level is hard to write and make bullet proof in short order. I think starting from scratch with a custom IDE and API would kill this project dead. I just don't think there's enough time to do it well unless you leverage off an existing COTS software, or 'Simplify' the design of teh controller itself.


__________________
This message was archived from an earlier forum system. Some information may have been left out. Start new discussion in the current forums, and refer back to these threads when necessary.