1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of C language and assembly language in microcontroller development?
Answer: Assembly language is a symbolic language that uses mnemonic codes to represent machine instructions, making it the closest language to machine code. Its main advantages are low resource usage and high program execution efficiency. However, assembly languages can vary between different CPUs, making them less portable.
C language is a structured high-level language. Its advantages include good readability and ease of portability, making it a widely used programming language. The disadvantages are that it consumes more resources and has lower execution efficiency compared to assembly language.
For the commonly used RISC architecture 8-bit MCUs, the internal resources such as ROM, RAM, and STACK are limited. If C language is used, a single C instruction can compile into many machine code instructions, which can easily lead to issues like insufficient ROM space or stack overflow. Additionally, some microcontroller manufacturers may not provide a C compiler. In contrast, assembly language has a one-to-one correspondence with machine code, making each action clear and allowing for better control over program size and stack usage, which simplifies debugging. Therefore, we recommend using assembly language for microcontroller development.
If you are interested in using C language for microcontrollers, HOLTEK provides a C compiler for their microcontrollers, which can be downloaded for free from their website.
2. Can C++ be used for microcontroller development, given that C and assembly are the main languages?
Answer: In microcontroller development, the primary languages are assembly and C; C++ is not commonly used.
3. Is it necessary to know C for microcontroller development?
Answer: Assembly language is a symbolic language that uses mnemonic codes to represent machine instructions, making it the closest language to machine code. Its main advantages are low resource usage and high program execution efficiency. However, assembly languages can vary between different CPUs, making them less portable.
For the commonly used RISC architecture 8-bit MCUs, the internal resources such as ROM, RAM, and STACK are limited. If C language is used, a single C instruction can compile into many machine code instructions, which can easily lead to issues like insufficient ROM space or stack overflow. Additionally, some microcontroller manufacturers may not provide a C compiler. In contrast, assembly language has a one-to-one correspondence with machine code, making each action clear and allowing for better control over program size and stack usage, which simplifies debugging. Therefore, we recommend using assembly language for microcontroller development.
C language is a compiled programming language that combines features of various high-level languages while also incorporating functionalities of assembly language. C language has a rich set of library functions, fast execution speed, high compilation efficiency, and good portability, allowing for direct control over system hardware. C language is a structured programming language that supports the top-down structured programming techniques widely adopted in current programming practices. Additionally, C programs have a well-defined modular structure, providing strong support for modular programming methods in software development. Therefore, using C language for programming has become a mainstream approach in software development, significantly shortening development cycles and enhancing software readability, making it easier to improve and expand, thus enabling the development of larger and more complete systems.
In summary, using C language for microcontroller programming is an inevitable trend in microcontroller development and application. Therefore, it is advisable for microcontroller developers, who are involved in large-scale software system development, to master basic C programming skills.
4. When developing a complex project with a short development time, is it better to use C or assembly?
Answer: For complex projects with tight development timelines, C language can be used, provided that the developer is very familiar with the MCU system’s C language and C compiler, especially regarding the data types and algorithms supported by the C compilation system. Although C language is the most commonly used high-level language, different MCU manufacturers have variations in their C language compilation systems, particularly in the operation of special functional modules. If these features are not well understood, debugging can become troublesome, and it may end up being faster to use assembly language.
5. Where can I find textbooks or materials on the 8088 and 196 chip microcontrollers for teaching purposes?
Answer: A commonly used textbook in universities is “IBM-PC Assembly Language Programming” published by Tsinghua University Press, which can be found online and in bookstores. Additionally, many other textbooks can be found online, such as “Microcomputer Principles and Assembly Language Tutorial” (edited by Yang Yanshuang, Zhang Xiaodong, etc.) and “16/32 Bit Microcomputer Principles, Assembly Language, and Interface Technology” (authors: Zhong Xiaojie, Chen Tao, published by the Machinery Industry Press). These can be searched for in larger technology bookstores or ordered online.
6. Should beginners learn C or assembly first?
Answer: For beginners in microcontrollers, it is recommended to start with assembly language. This is because assembly language is the closest to machine code, which can deepen the beginner’s understanding of the various functional modules of the microcontroller, thus laying a solid foundation.
7. I am a third-year student at Wuhan University majoring in electronic science and technology. I have learned electronic circuits, digital logic, assembly, and C language, but I always feel confused and think I don’t know anything. What should I do?
Answer: The university experience is primarily theoretical, with fewer practical opportunities, which often leads to a disconnect between theory and practice, a common issue in the domestic university education system. However, students should not aim too high. Generally, from the third year, students will start to encounter some specialized courses, and electronic-related majors will offer microcontroller application courses with simple experimental projects. Therefore, it is essential to take full advantage of laboratory opportunities and practice hands-on operations. Additionally, students can read relevant electronic technology magazines and websites to learn from others’ development experiences, hardware design solutions, and software design experiences. If possible, participating in electronic design competitions can be beneficial, allowing for collaboration with 2-3 people to create a complete system. During the senior design phase, students can also choose related topics to gain practical experience. Gaining experience is a gradual process that requires step-by-step accumulation.
8. How can students learn microcontrollers effectively?
Answer: To learn microcontrollers well, practical experience is crucial. Although students have fewer practical opportunities, if possible, they can choose relevant topics for internships, allowing them to engage with actual projects. If microcontroller principles are a core course, the school will likely arrange more practical lab opportunities. If capable, students can seek part-time jobs related to microcontrollers, which will be helpful. Additionally, microcontroller development requires a combination of hardware and software knowledge, so it is important not to focus solely on perfecting programming skills. Students should also accumulate hardware knowledge, frequently visit electronic forums and websites, purchase relevant magazines, and, if possible, buy small components from electronic markets to build small systems and get them working.
HOLTEK’s microcontroller is an 8-bit microcontroller based on RISC architecture, widely applicable in home appliances, security systems, handheld games, etc. It can be categorized into I/O microcontrollers, LCD microcontrollers, A/D microcontrollers, and A/D with LCD microcontrollers, among others.
9. How can one become an expert in microcontrollers?
Answer: To become an expert in microcontrollers, one should practice frequently and stay updated on microcontroller development trends. Regularly visiting relevant websites can provide access to many useful resources.
10. How long will 8-bit microcontrollers continue to be relevant?
Answer: Currently, the main focus of MCU products remains in the 8-bit domain, primarily applied in automotive applications, consumer electronics, computer and PC peripherals, telecommunications, office automation, and industrial control across six major markets. The automotive market is predominantly in Europe and America, while the Asia-Pacific region focuses on consumer electronics, with a mainstream product trend towards high volume and low price. Currently, there is still a significant price difference between 16-bit and 8-bit MCU products, and new application areas are still being developed. The industry expects that 8-bit MCUs will remain the mainstream MCU products at least until 2005.
