When we first learn embedded development, a common question arises: what is the difference between C language and embedded C programming?
Embedded engineers typically tell you that the difference lies in the fact that embedded C runs on embedded development boards, which differ from CPUs in computers, leading to different compilers and executable programs. Unlike general software programming, embedded system programming based on specific hardware platforms requires the programming language to have strong capabilities for direct hardware manipulation. Undoubtedly, assembly language possesses this characteristic. However, due to the complexity of the development process, it is usually not chosen for embedded system development, while C language, being a “low-level” language, has become the best choice for embedded system development.
Firstly, we must understand that embedded systems are not PC systems; they are a different type of independent operating system that includes both hardware and software components. The hardware includes processors/microprocessors, memory, peripheral devices, I/O ports, graphic controllers, etc. The software component includes operating system software (OS) that requires real-time and multitasking operations, as well as application programming, which designers sometimes combine into one. The application programs control the operation and behavior of the system, while the operating system manages the interaction between application programming and hardware.
Secondly, the embedded microprocessor is the control core of the embedded system. The main functions of the embedded microprocessor are fourfold:
1. Strong support for real-time multitasking, capable of completing multiple tasks with a short interrupt response time, thereby minimizing the execution time of internal code and real-time core.
2. The embedded microprocessor must have very low power consumption, especially in battery-powered portable wireless and mobile computing and communication devices, requiring power consumption at the mW or even μW level.
3. It possesses strong memory protection capabilities. This is due to the modular structure of embedded system software, and to avoid erroneous interactions between software modules, a strong memory protection feature must be designed, which also aids in software diagnostics.
4. An expandable processor architecture to rapidly develop the highest performance embedded microprocessor that meets application needs.
Thirdly, the core competitive advantage of embedded systems compared to other operating systems has six main characteristics:
1. To improve execution speed and system reliability, the software in embedded systems is generally embedded in memory chips or microcontrollers themselves, rather than stored on disks or other media.
2. Both hardware and software in embedded systems must be designed for high efficiency, tailored to specific needs, removing redundancy to achieve higher performance on the same silicon area, thus making the choice of processors more competitive in specific applications.
3. Embedded systems are the result of integrating advanced computer technology, semiconductor technology, and electronic technology with specific applications from various industries. This determines that it must be a technology-intensive, capital-intensive, highly decentralized, and continuously innovative knowledge integration system.
4. Embedded systems do not possess self-boot development capabilities; even after design completion, users usually cannot modify the program functions within them without a set of development tools and environments.
5. Embedded systems are typically designed for specific applications, with embedded CPUs differing significantly from general-purpose CPUs. Most embedded CPUs operate in systems designed for specific user groups, characterized by low power consumption, small size, and high integration, allowing many tasks typically performed by general-purpose CPUs to be integrated within the chip, thus facilitating the miniaturization of embedded system designs, greatly enhancing mobility, and tightening the coupling with networks.
6. Embedded systems are organically integrated with specific applications, and their upgrades occur simultaneously with specific products. Therefore, once embedded system products enter the market, they have a relatively long lifecycle.
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