#121 August—2000
EMBEDDED PROGRAMMING

FEATURES
Simplify Your Software Testing—Jonathan Valvano
The more complex your system is, the more complex your software will need to be. As Jonathan shows, using finite state machines can make the whole process of software design more efficient, more effective, and maybe even more fun. pg.12

Keywords: Development, software, testing, finite state machines, FSM, software abstraction, linked data structures

Look MA, No PC!
A $55 Webcam—Steve Freyder, David Helland, & Bruce Lightner
If these guys caught your attention with their “$25 Web Server” article in Circuit Cellar Online, then you won’t want to miss their latest project. Read the article, get the materials, build the project, smile for the picture. It’s that easy. pg.20

Keywords: Webcam, network, web server, digital camera, Ethernet, Java, VVL300, VV6301, AT90S8515, RTL8019AS

Anatomy of a Compiler
A Retargetable ANSI-C Compiler —Sandeep Dutta
Wouldn’t it be great if there was an affordable C compiler that was specifically designed to the needs of 8-bit micros? Not to worry, Sandeep explains the inner workings of just such a compiler, which happens to be quite affordable—it’s free! pg.30

Keywords: Compiler, ANSI-C, SDCC, 8051, Z80, pointers, stack, AST, iCode

The Joys of Wrinting Software—George Novacek
No bugs. No excuses. The way George sees it, the three-finger salute should not be considered an acceptable fix for any software problem. If it means taking more time in the test stages, so be it. That’s why test standards exist. pg. 36

Keywords: Software, bug, RTCA DO-178B, SQA, planning, certification, quality, PSAC, SDP

Who Needs Hardware?
Developing Without the Target—Alan Harry
If you’re a software designer, you know what it’s like to have your hands tied while you wait for hardware to arrive. Alan steps into the Virtual Workshop to demonstrate how you can continue development and testing even without the target hardware. pg. 58

Keywords: Software development, hardware simulation, C, extensions, named pipes, debugging

Count the Digits
Designing a Frequency Meter—Tom Napier
Sure, you could just buy a frequency meter, but if you’re like Tom, you probably have all the necessary parts sitting around, so why not build your own? Before this project is done, you’ll have a better understanding of frequency meters. pg. 68

Keywords: Frequency meter, PIC16C55, accuracy, resolution, oscillator

COLUMNS
From the Bench—Jeff Bachiochi
Building on Familiar Ground
Part 1: Adding Analog to the 8051 Core
Jeff’s been an Analog Devices fan for years. After scouting AD’s MicroConverter, he’s sure that this addition to the lineup will improve their position in the micro­controller standings. pg. 74

Keywords: Analog, 8051, ADC , DAC, ADC812

Silicon Update—Tom Cantrell
We Ride the Waves
Follow Tom’s column for any amount of time and you’ll find out just how he feels about wires. With the introduction of Zilog’s new Wave chip, Tom’s wire woes may be coming to an end, and that’s good news for all. pg. 78

Keywords: Wireless data, Wave Chip, Z87L0x, DSP, FHSS, frequency hopping spread spectrum

EMBEDDED PC
Real-Time PCs—Ingo Cyliax
Real-Time Executive for Multiprocessor System—Part 4: Debugging
It’s time to wrap up this series on RTEMS, so Ingo shows us what it takes to debug an RTEMS application. Working with the run-time debugging environment and the GNU debugger makes the process even easier. pg. 43

Keywords: RTEMS, Real-Time, executive, GNU debugger, GDB, C

Applied PCs—Fred Eady
Embedded Kiosk or Mission Impossible?
This project began as a challenge that even Fred couldn’t resist (er, avoid). Hidden keyboards, limited access, multiple screens—the mission had the trimmings of a certified goose chase. The Florida-room clock was ticking…. pg. 49

Keywords: Kiosk, embedded computer, NetShift, database, touchscreen, VB, KEYON