Wellys Dev

2021-11-20

Developing in C for the ATmega328P: Setup Introduction

Updated: Where I describe the optional steps to setup the Standard C toolchain for the ATmega328P on Windows, Linux, or macOS using a command line-based approach.

Update

In my efforts to continue to refine how to develop Standard C code for the AVR family of microcontrollers, I’ve determined using a Raspberry Pi along with VS Code can provide the optimal experience.

The Raspberry Pi OS is a reliable and steady operating system on which one can build the latest GCC tools for developing code for any microcontrollers in the AVR family. This includes the latest in the DA, Tiny or DD families.

2021-09-27

Developing in C for the ATmega328: A Simple Project

Where I use an example project from avr-gcc to better understand how to program the ATmega328.

Sources

Microchip AVR ATmega328 Go to this page for the datasheet, you will need it.
Definitive UNO pinout
avr-libc Standard AVR C Library
avr-libc: simple project The project which this entry will cover.

Introduction

In the previous entry, I wrote a C equivilent to the Arduino analogWrite(). The entry demonstrates the fundamental method of getting the ATmega328 to perform, is to program the registers. From here on, we’ll continue to expand on this approach.

2021-09-22

AVR Datasheet Note: analogWrite()

Where I take the next step in developing PWM code in C for the ATmega328. This time, I create a new analogWrite() in C.

Sources

Microchip AVR ATmega328 Go to this page for the datasheet, you will need it.
Definitive UNO pinout, see below
avr-libc Standard AVR C Library
Secrets of Arduino PWM Great tutorial as to how to write code for PWM on the ATmega328
DIYODE: PWM Classroom Great educational article on PWM and DC Motors

Introduction

In the previous entry, I demonstrated how you could program the ATmega328 to provide a fast PWM signal on pins 5 and 6. In this entry, I’ll take the example a bit further by adjusting for all 6 pins which can provide a PWM signal. (Those marked by a “~” on the Arduino UNO.) I’ll also continue to refine the table which documents how to program the 6 pins.

2021-09-14

AVR Datasheet Note: PWM

Where I take the next step in developing code in C for the ATmega328. This time, I review the PWM functionality of the ATmega328.

Sources

Microchip AVR ATmega328 Go to this page for the datasheet, you will need it.
Definitive UNO pinout, see below
avr-libc Standard AVR C Library
Secrets of Arduino PWM Great tutorial as to how to write code for PWM on the ATmega328
DIYODE: PWM Classroom Great educational article on PWM and DC Motors

Introduction

Pulse-width modulation (PWM) is a useful technique for controlling DC motor speeds, LED intensity and creating analog waveforms. The idea is to modulate (or change) the width of a digital signal (a pulse) to deliver a varying amount of voltage. The change is called the “duty cycle”, it will range from 0-100%, and the high the number, the greater the voltage delivered. PWM is valuable as it allows you to use less power to keep motors running or make LEDs bright. If the concept remains foreign to you, I recommend you read the noted sources above before going forward.

2021-09-13

AVR Datasheet Note: Blink

Where I use a detailed analysis of the ATmega328P datasheet to develop C code using the C toolchain. Yes, another look at the blink program!

Sources

Microchip AVR ATmega328P Go to this page for the datasheet, you will need it.
Definitive UNO pinout, see below
avr-libc Standard AVR C Library.

Introduction

You’ve installed the tool chain, you’ve tested it and added automation. This means you are now ready to begin the process of learning how to program an embedded microcontroller! You might have thought, that was what you were doing with the Arduino. Not quite, you were programming a specific embedded microcontroller board with a specific programming framework.

2021-09-11

Developing in C for the ATmega328P: Introduction

Where I begin the process of developing in Standard C (and only C) on the Arduino Uno (also known as the ATmega328P).

Sources

ATmega328P Datasheet
Definitive UNO pinout
Arduino in C | Freedom Embedded
Make: AVR Programming
Commentary on Microcontroller Development
AVR Dudes Development tool software for AVR family (avrdude and avarice) as well as source to avr-libc.

Introduction

This series is designed to help someone who has been using the Arduino framework, however, desires to use only the C Language. It covers adding the toolchain to your system of choice, executing the toolchain on examples and (possibly) advancing the ability to debug using a hardware debugging tool. Or stated more formally:

2021-09-01

Developing in C on the RP2040: First

Where I explain the issues which impact developing C/C++ code on the RP2040.

Sources

Introduction

There are three fundamental steps one must take to fully develop C/C++ code on the RP2040. Both the Raspberry Pi “Getting Started with Pico” known as the Guide from here on and this blog utilize this approach:

Install the tool chain necessary to cross-compile C/C++ and link code for the RP2040 on the platform of choice.
Test #1 using the Raspberry Pi Pico Github code using the pico-sdk and pico-examples.
Advance the ability to debug by adding a hardware debugger in the form of the Picoprobe and gdb.

For each of the platforms, there is a level of complexity to accomplish each step. Its important to understand that the tools that exist to accomplish cross-compiling and linking C/C++ for an embedded microcontroller are designed for Linux. Therefore, the closer a system “looks like Linux”, the easier it is to follow the three steps. This isn’t a problem. It is simply something to understand and account for. Specifically, the level of difficulty of the three steps in each operating system is:

2021-08-31

Developing in C on the RP2040: Windows

Where I begin to develop code in C on the RP2040 in the Windows environment.

Sources

Download Sources

Introduction

If you haven’t read it, please read Read This First… before you continue.

As I have said before, I do not like to use VS Code, nor do I believe that it is a good tool for students beginning to learn how to develop embedded C. My approach will be to follow that of Shawn Hymel’s without the VSCode part as well as what has already been published via the Guide. In the place of VS Code, we will use Notepad++.

2021-08-25

Developing in C on the RP2040: New Project

Where I demonstrate bringing up a new project in C on the PR2040 including embedding project information in the binary.

Sources

Introduction

You have played with the examples the Raspberry Foundation has thoughtfully provided. Now you want to create something on your own! I like the information provided by the Foundation as to how to create a project and how to add easily binary information to the binary code of project. This means you can build a project, write pin information to the binary and then pick up the board weeks(months?) later and determine what is on the board and how to use it.

2021-08-22

Debugging in C Code on the RP2040: Using gdb - Hints

Where I provide hints on using gdb to debug code on the RP2040 (Pi Pico board).

Sources

gdb Hints

gdb recommended in its screen feedback to use “target extended-remote :3333” instead of the Guide’s “target remote localhost:3333”. I found that this seemed to solve some of these inconsistencies, so I updated my instructions. After a bit of reading “extended-remote” does seem to be the right instruction. Note: If using Bloom and avr-gdb, extended doesn’t serve a purpose, use target remote:1442.
If you find your self executing a lengthy command quite a bit (such as “monitor reset init”), use “define” to create a shorter command for it. If you put it into the .gdbinit file (as I have), it will remember from session to session.
gdb can be incredibly easy to use. Norman Matloff’s tutorial is great for illustrating the commands needed. I recommend reading and practicing with it, its well worth it!
Start with using gdb to replace printf statements. Run code, have it stop by using a “breakpoint function name” or “breakpoint line number”, then use “print” or “display” to get the values of variables. This will work the same as inserting print statements, however, it doesn’t affect your code.
It took me less time to learn gdb, and write these two tutorials than the time I spent attempting to debug Visual Studio Code. Your mileage may vary, however, a simple gdb/code editor setup is fast and easy to learn and use.
If your code ends, you will see “exit(status=0)….”. To restart the program, simply issue a “mri” (a command from .gdbinit) which will reset the processor. Press “c” and the program will begin running again.
gdb operates in at least two modes:
- command, indicated by (gdb) prompt. This is where you will enter all of the commands to interact with gdb
- execution, indicated by a lack of a (gdb) prompt. This means the program is running and hitting a breakpoint or watchpoint will return you back to command mode. Or you can hit Ctrl-C which will interrupt the process and put into command mode.
Enter the command layout src or start by using gdb –tui and the window will divide into two horizontal windows. The top window will show 20 lines of source and the bottom window will continue to be the command window. This is a great way to view a breakpoint. For example, set a breakpoint on a function name, then “n(ext)” through the code to view execution. Once you have entered “n”, you can simply hit the return key and it will advance using the next command.
Note found elsewhere, I’ll link to it when I find it: “remember to use -g only for the image you pass to gdb, not the firmware you load into the device (if it can grok elf). Also another very critical prerequisite for C programs is -O0 (which is usually default). But if you use -Os or something, you can get very unpredictable debugging results. This btw. makes debugging some code on avrs for example almost impossible, as they often rely on -Os to fit the image in there. But.. it is very possible and comfy to debug simple optimized C programs in assembly, if you know roughly what to expect. Use objdump -dS on the optimized .elf file with debugging info and you’ll roughly see what assembly code was produced for what C code.”