Quick example of MPLAB C30 3.00's managed-PSV feature

One of the big new features of MPLAB C30 3.00 is the new managed-PSV feature. Previous versions of C30 were limited to just one page of compiler-managed PSV constants. This new release will automatically switch to the correct PSV page when accessing a managed variable.

The screenshot below shows a very simple example of the managed-PSV feature in action just sitting there.



The space attribute places the variable into the program memory space, and the new __prog__ qualifier tells the compiler to manage the PSVPAG for this variable.

You can also see the generated assembly code. You'll notice that the compiler saves and restores the current value of PSVPAG. This is to ensure compatibility with modules built with the older const-in-code model.

Older libraries that don't know how to manage the PSVPAG may assume that PSVPAG is currently set to the .const section. Code generated using the managed-PSV feature must respect this assumption and save/restore the PSVPAG.

I hope this post helps you get up to speed with the new feature (even though all of this information is documented in the updated C30 User's Guide). Have fun flipping pages!

MPLAB C30 3.00 Now Available

Those of you out there who read the Microchip forums regularly already know that C30 3.00 is now available for download from the web [http://www.microchip.com/c30]. I think I'll write a few posts covering the new features over the next few days. A few people might be interested in the new managed-PSV feature.

Registered users can use the Student Edition installer to upgrade to 3.00. Basically the student edition installer is smart enough to know not to overwrite your full license with a student license.

Don't forget to check out the updated documents, which are also available for download from the MPLAB C30 web page.

Created a 'LinkedIn' profile

I just created a 'LinkedIn' profile. LinkedIn is supposed to be a MySpace for professionals and a great tool for managing professional relationships. I don't have anybody in my network yet, so if you create an account or have one already, please add me. I'd like to have other Microchip employees and Microchip forum community members in my network. Send me a connection request at kjason at spamcop d0t net.

Binary-to-decimal expert?

Fancy yourself an expert at converting binary numbers to decimal and back? PROVE IT with Cisco's web game for geeks.

The Machine is Us/ing Us (final)

Professor Michael Wesch from Kansas State University has posted a new version of his now famous Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/ing Us YouTube video.

Professor Wesch's Digital Ethnography class even has a big YouTube project underway. I'm looking forward to their new videos.

Dean Kamen's Robotic Arm

Dean Kamen, known for the Segway PT and the FIRST program, has been showing off a new robotic arm.


Gizmodo has some new information on DEKA's attempt to make the world's best prosthetic limb.

Problem with Intermediate Directory when building ASM30 project in MPLAB IDE 7.52

I thought I'd let everyone know that there is a problem with the project manager in MPLAB IDE 7.52 when building ASM30 projects configured to use an Intermediate Directory. The problem happens when you have your project set to build with the C30 preprocessor and you specify an Intermediate Directory in the project's Build Options. Basically, what you see is a link failure due to symbols in the ASM30 file being undefined. This occurs because the project manager passes the intermediate directory incorrectly to the assembler through the C30 compilation shell (pic30-gcc). The intermediate object files are not correctly placed in the specified directory, but the linker tries to find them in that directory. We are working on a fix for the problem, but you can work around the problem by removing the Intermediate Directory from your project's Build Options.

Who is visiting my blog?

Google Analytics was kind enough to provide me with some information about my blog visitors for the month of February.
Makes me happy to see that people from all over the world are visiting my little blog, but where are all the comments? One person commented on my first two posts, but that's it? I'm feeling a little lonely out here. :-(

PS3's New Home

This topic might not be of any interest to my blog's forum.microchip.com visitors, but I couldn't resist.
Video: Playstation 3 Home Trailer
What do you think? Pretty neat, huh?

Speed up the VMware Workstation 6 Beta

Anyone out there who has tried the VMware Workstation 6 Beta knows that it is so slow that it is almost unusable... much slower than 5.5. The performance problem is largely due to the beta being distributed as a debug build.

Luckily the 4sysops blog has uncovered a way to disable debug mode and claim back some performance points. Basically, all you do is "exchange the bin-debug folder with the bin folder in the directory where you installed VMware Workstation." Once I swapped the folders, I immediately noticed a significant performance improvement... about the same performance as the VMware Workstation 5.5 version that I was using previously.

LEGO MMO in the Works - Joystiq

Joystiq is reporting that independent game developer NetDevil is developing an MMOG with The LEGO Group. A representative from LEGO told Gamasutra that the game would merge social interaction with physical play.

NetDevil's Scott Brown added: “Playing with LEGO bricks and developing online worlds are both creative activities. To bring them together is deeply professionally satisfying and we look forward to working with the LEGO team."

The Secret Windows Live Messenger Emoticon

If you use Windows Live Messenger, you may start seeing an odd little icon on your list. Check out the complete details and get in on the good cause.