CCS News

The IDE compiler has been enhanced to provide developers better insight into the state of their code. The powerful Code Metrics Report provides a set of five measurements that help embedded engineers gain a better understanding of what aspects of their code could be potentially changed to improve maintainability and testability.

Number of Functions, Statements and Comments

Functions that are exceptionally large are potential candidates for refactoring. The IDE Compiler reports the number of functions, statements per function and comments. Embedded developers can use this information to rapidly identify large functions that may benefit from being broken down into a number of smaller, more maintainable functions.

Cyclomatic Complexity

Cyclomatic complexity is the number of independent paths through the code. Code with a higher value of cyclomatic complexity can be harder to test and maintain, since each path must be tested. The cyclomatic complexity is useful to both the developer and engineering project manager as it helps determine the number of test cases the code requires.

Halstead Metrics

Halstead metrics are a well established method of measuring the size and complexity of source code. The IDE reports the Halstead Code Volume and Difficulty for each function in a project and for the project as a whole. Volume is a more sophisticated measure of code size than the number of lines of code and Difficulty measures the difficulty of writing or understanding the code. This measurement helps to justify time spent developing the code and effort to maintain it.

Time to Implement

The Halstead metrics are used to report Time to Implement, which represents the average amount of time it would take a developer to implement the code, given it's measured size and complexity.

Maintainability Index

The Maintainability Index combines several metrics, including Cyclomatic Complexity and Halstead Code Volume to report how maintainable code will be over time. It can help developers and engineering managers quantify and report software quality improvements to non-technical business executives.

The Code Metrics Report is just one of many productivity tools available to CCS IDE-Compiler owners with software download rights. To learn more about how code metrics can help improve embedded software quality and test coverage, go to www.ccsinfo.com/metrics.

The CCSLoad programmer control software has been enhanced to help companies protect their intellectual property. Beginning with version 4.032, CCSLoad now gives embedded developers the option of generating encrypted hex files for their Microchip PIC® MCU. The encrypted hex file can be distributed to manufacturing sites without fear that it will be disassembled and the source code reverse engineered.

The encrypted hex file is designed to work in tandem with the CCS ICD-U64, MACH X, Load-n-Go and Prime 8 programmers. The programmers work in conjunction with CCSLoad at the manufacturing site, writing the hex file to the target and setting the MCU security bits as specified in the encrypted file. Since there are no intermediate or temporary unencrypted hex files ever present in the host PC's memory, the design is not able to be hacked by interrupting CCSLoad as the PC downloads the hex file.

CCS makes it easy to safeguard your designs...and it is absolutely free to ICD-U64, MACH-X, Load-n-Go and Prime 8 programmer owners. Updated versions of CCSLoad are available online to users wishing to take advantage of this new capability. Download CCSload from www.ccsinfo.com/secure

Don't own a CCS programmer? CCS offers great programmers at incredible prices. And to make our pricing even sweeter, IDE-Compiler owners receive a $50 discount on the Load-n-Go handheld, battery operated ICSP™ programmer/debugger. Use discount code: SECURE

Real Time Data Stream Plotting Added to IDE Compilers

CCS IDE Compilers are able to read data streamed to a PC where it can be plotted in real time using the IDE's SIOW (Serial Input/Output Monitor). Devices capable of outputting comma delimited ASCII data through a USB or RS-232 port can have their output displayed in real-time on a graph from within the IDE. The device can be connected directly to the PC's USB or serial port; no debugger or other hardware is required. This capability is especially useful when debugging data aquisition systems and sensors, motion control systems, etc. To see an example of SIOW data plotting, go to www.ccsinfo.com/plot.

Track Source File Revisions with Keep File Change History

The IDE now has an option to keep copies of all source file changes in a history directory. Each copy of the file has a unique version number appended to the filename. The version number is incremented each time another copy of the file is written to the history directory.
IDE editor options give users the flexibility to control how source file changes are saved. Users can choose to place a copy of the source file in the history directory every time the file is saved. Alternatively, users can limit the frequency of history copy creation by time or by number of file save operations.

Expanded Device Serialization Options

The CCS compiler's #SERIALIZE source code declaration is used to place unique ID numbers in programmed devices. The declaration makes serial numbers easier to implement when working with CCS programmers.

User declared variable types now enable more efficient storage of serial numbers in Microchip PIC® PIC24 MCU program memory. Developers can specify the starting address and number of bytes used to store the serial number, as well as the source of the initial number.

Bootloading Made Simple

CCS now provides a free command line PC bootload utility, CCS Bootloader, to simplify the development of field updatable products. This utility is designed to work with CCS like bootloaders. And the best part is...it may be distributed as part of a user's end product without having to pay a royalty. To download the utility, go to www.ccsinfo.com/bload.

PIC® is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Inc in the U.S.A and other countries.

CCS announced today that their optimizing C compiler, ICD-U64 programmer/debugger and CCSLoad programmer control software have been upgraded to support the streaming of serial data through the Microchip PIC® MCU ICSP™ interface. Repurposing the programming interface as a serial port reduces cost during product development, production and after deployment in the field.

When prototyping, developers can use the interface to gain valuable insight into program operation, almost in real-time. While software debuggers can be used with the ICSP interface, use often requires that the processor be halted to allow for examination and modification of variable values. This new streaming approach allows diagnostic and performance data to be output and charted without stopping execution, of particular importance when debugging multiprocessor systems.

During production, line personnel can display and set calibration data from a PC terminal, enter serial numbers and run special production tests. This is especially useful when the end product does not include I/O devices that could be used for these functions.

After the product is deployed, field engineers can access fault logs, monitor and diagnose problems. Operating parameters can be updated without having to reload an entirely new software image.

While use of serial ports to input and output text is not new, implementation of the serial port requires hardware resources that may not be needed during normal operation. A full duplex serial port normally consumes two MCU pins for the UART, plus an RS-232 level translator and connector on the target board. Production boards may eliminate the component cost by not populating the translator and connector, however the bare footprints still consume valuable real estate. This can negatively effect not only PCB cost, but also the end product.

A new CCS C compiler built-in function allows developers to use familiar "printf" and "getc" statements to stream data to a PC through the ICSP interface. The ICD-U64 serves as the physical interface, bridging the target's programming pins to the host PC's USB port. Users can access the data through CCSLoad or alternatively, a Window's terminal emulation program, DOS command line interface or the SIOW data graphing interface included in the CCC IDE Compilers. Remote internet access is provided via Telnet.

Updated versions of the CCS C compiler, CCSLoad and ICD-U64 firmware are now available online to users wishing to take advantage of this new capability.

To learn more and view a special offer, go to www.ccsinfo.com/PRSERIAL.

Review more CCS news stories

CCS, Inc. today announced the addition of a new development tools webinar series focusing on programmer diagnostics on its corporate website. This series enables viewers to learn from CCS embedded development engineers how to quickly resolve programming issues when using CCS development tools and Microchip PIC® MCU and dsPIC® digital signal controller devices.

Organized by programming failure mode, engineers can quickly learn how to resolve programming issues themselves without contacting CCS technical support. Each webinar begins by addressing the most common and easiest to diagnose issues before moving on to more complex scenarios. Currently, there are three training webinars in the series.

- Unable to Detect USB Connected Programmer
- Unable to Detect Serial Connected Programmer
- Unable to Detect Target

The first two webinars address how to eliminate USB and serial port communication failures between the host PC and programmer. In the third webinar, engineers will be shown how to use the diagnostic utilities built into the CCSLoad programmer software to resolve hardware and hookup problems on their boards. These utilities can be used to verify proper power chip voltage levels during programming. They also facilitate the debugging of ICSP circuits by driving constant signals or pulse trains on programming pins so they can be checked with voltmeters and/or oscilloscopes. Varying in length from 4 to 6 minutes, they will provide just the right level of detail to enable engineers and technicians to learn what’s needed to accomplish the task at hand, in the shortest time possible.

To view the webinars, go to www.ccsinfo.com/pdweb.

Review more CCS news stories

CCS will be presenting the class, "Using the CCS C Compiler for Rapid Development of Microcontroller Applications" at Masters 2011. This hands-on class will instruct users in the most productive use of the CCS optimizing C compiler for all Microchip microcontrollers. Topics to be covered will include:

- Techniques for code reuse and easy migration to new chips

- CCS's API for controlling Microchip PIC® MCU peripherals

- Easily implementing serial I/O (asynchronous, SPI, I2CTM) on any GPIO pin

The hands on portion of the class will use the CCS compiler to allow attendees to see how quick and easy it is to develop applications from scratch. Also during the hands-on portion, attendees will learn the use of the CCS IDE wizards, programming concepts and advanced debugging techniques using the CCS C-Aware real time debugger.

This technical level 4 class will be offered twice at this year's Masters - Wednesday, 8/24 and Thursday 8/25, 1:15pm to 5:15pm on both days. Be sure to add class "1526 CCS" to your schedule. CCS will also be showing our newest WiFi based products in our booth. We hope to see you there.

MPLAB® ICD 2, dsPIC® DSC and PIC®MCU are registered trade marks of Microchip Technology Inc in the U.S.A and other countries.

Review more CCS news stories

CCS is introducing a complete development kit for the new PIC18F45K22 device. This new development kit includes the powerful CCS PCWH C Compiler with support for Microchip's PIC^® PIC10, PIC12, PIC16 and PIC18 families, an ICD-U64 in-circuit programmer/debugger and a prototyping board with power supply, cables and hardware accessories to jump start your product development. The prototyping board features the PIC18F45K22 device, 30 I/O pins, one potentiometer, one pushbutton, three LEDs, RS-232 level converter, ICD jack, and 16mhz crystal. The PIC18F45K22 development kit is now available for purchase at:www.ccsinfo.com/45K22

Receive a free copy of Master and Command C for PIC^®MCU, by Fred Eady when you purchase a PIC18F45K22 development kit including a C Compiler.Master and Command C for PIC^®MCU provides several new tips and tricks to improve your coding while using the PIC18F45K22 development kit and CCS C Compiler. To learn more about this limited time special offer, click here

CCS is announcing the release of Master and Command C for PIC^®MCU written by Fred Eady. This book gives the opportunity to look over Fred's shoulder as he explores some of the CCS compiler's more advanced built-in functions.

Any beginner or advanced CCS C Compiler user will be able to take something away from this book to improve their coding style. After reading Master and Command C for PIC^®MCU, one book reviewer stated, “Even after using the CCS C Compiler for more than a year, there are still a great number of features and built-in functions that I have been missing out on.”

Fred Eady highlights techniques used for #DEFINE, Conditional Compilation, Debugging, and #SERIALIZE. These techniques allow readers to reduce the amount of memory their programs take up and simplify their code, making for easier changes.

To order a copy today, click here. Regular Price is $14.95 and CCS compiler owners can receive a copy for only $9.95! More compiler features are yet to be uncovered by Fred Eady, so stay tuned for Volume 2.

CCS announcing that software embedded in a Sony high definition camera used in the Nautilus Live Expedition was developed using the company's code optimizing C compiler. Catch the current expedition of the Eratosthenes Seamount live from August 15th - 30th at www.nautiluslive.org. The Nautilus Live website also includes blogs, photos and video highlights from the most recent expeditions which explore ancient shipwrecks and an underwater volcano.

Tasked with developing a camera that would function at deep ocean depths under low light conditions, the developer's chose Microchip's PIC® PIC18F2620 microcontroller to handle focus, iris setting, zoom and white balancing functions. Engineers chose development tools from CCS to accelerate their product development, freeing them to concentrate on design functionality instead of having to become microcontroller architecture experts.

The underwater expeditions demonstrate the diversity of applications the Microchip PIC®MCU and CCS development tools can be used for. Stay tuned to learn about the latest projects using CCS development tools.

CCS, Inc. today announced the launch of its Webinar Training program on its corporate website, www.ccsinfo.com. These webinars offer design engineers on-demand access to product information for the CCS optimizing C compiler, as well as demonstrations and tips on associated development tools for Microchip PIC® MCU and dsPIC® digital signal controller devices.

These web-based learning tools were developed by CCS to fulfill engineers’ needs for information that enables them to start their designs quickly and resolve issues that may arise during the product development cycle. Currently, there are three training webinars on-line:

• The C Compiler Quick-Start takes embedded design engineers though the process of creating C programs with the CCS IDE compiler, downloading files to a Microchip PIC® MCU using an ICD-U64 debugger/programmer and quickly and easily modifying the blink rate of an LED on a CCS prototyping board


• The Mobile In-Circuit Programming webinar shows field service technicians and engineers how to load up to four separate programming files in deployed products with the CCS hand-held, battery operated Load-n-Go™ programmer


• In the newest webinar, Volume Production Programming , production and operations personnel are taught how to use the CCS Prime8 in-circuit parallel programmer while connected to a PC, store up to four separate programming files in the Prime8’s internal memory and configure it for stand-alone operation, and access programming files with its built-in SD card reader