Embedded Programming.. What's involved?

[uCsDNerd]

Hi All,

I was wondering what are the steps involved with embedding a program on a microchip. Say I have a program written in C code. What do I do from there? My PM asked me if it were possible to embed NTP on a chip, I said sure you can routers do it. He asked HOW? .. I have no clue!

Thanks for your help!

 

[RaiderJ]

There are basically C++ libraries and compiliers for chips that you use. Once you have your compilied code, there is usually a type of "programmer" to upload that code.

Maybe use a development environment such as MAXPLUS II?

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

I can't say I've heard of C++ being used for embedded development much, usually C.

As for how to go about this, I'm sure it heavily depends on the platform, and what tools are available for it. A chip isn't just a chip.

 

[uCsDNerd]

Thanks for the replies guys. So basically you're both saying, you start out by finding a chip, and then see what tools are available for you to upload your code to it? That sounds good to me. Who's a good maker of chips that maybe has a website I can take a look to just to see how features differ from chip to chip?

Thanks again!

 

[htmlmasterdave]

You could always use an x86 cpu

 

[RaiderJ]

Have you looked into the Basic Stamp kits? Those are about the easiest chips to get into.. and it would give you an idea of what else is out there.

 

[Templeton]

I would look at the $39.99 ez80 starter kit at www.zilog.com, it's a great chip to learn on, has tons of features, and comes with a full c compiler/ide. I started using the zilog ide almost a year ago, since then, almost all bugs have been worked out and it's become a very stable development environment. Check out the z8encore yahoo group for code samples and librarys in addition to what zilog gives you. Good luck.