Posted Oct 10, 2011, by Colin Walls
Two weeks ago, I set a quiz. I listed four ways to write some code, which was supposed to divide an unsigned integer by 8. I commented that the priority was for the code to be as fast as possible and asked which of my lines of C was most efficient.
I was pleased with the response and acknowledge contributions from Peter Bushell, Dan S, Ken Simone, Krzysztof Wesołowski, Lee Riemenschneider, and Shaun … Read More
Tags:
Development Tools,
C,
Optimization,
Programming Languages
Posted Sep 26, 2011, by Colin Walls
I was recently reading a set of “golden rules” for embedded programming. I am very skeptical about such proscriptive instructions as, for them to be valid, a great many assumptions must be made and clearly stated. These rules were supposed to promote the production of safe, efficient code. I am OK with “safe” – that simply means that the code does what it is supposed to … Read More
Tags:
Development Tools,
C,
Optimization,
Programming Languages
Posted Aug 22, 2011, by Colin Walls
Embedded software development tools are important to all developers and a topic that I frequently discuss [like here]. The way such tools are described by vendors is interesting. For example, there might be a reference to an “optimizing compiler”. That is rather meaningless, as all compilers are optimizing to at least some degree. For an embedded compiler, the important factors are the quality … Read More
Tags:
RTOS,
Development Tools,
Debugging,
Optimization,
profiling,
Nucleus
Posted Aug 8, 2011, by Colin Walls
I have frequently made the observation that a key difference between embedded and desktop system programming is variability: every Windows PC is essentially the same, whereas every embedded system is different. There are a number of implications of this variability tools need to be more sophisticated and flexible; programmers need to be ready to accommodate the specific requirements of their system; … Read More
Tags:
Optimization,
Development Tools,
Programming Languages
Posted Feb 19, 2011, by John Wilson
When I saw that Robin had written a blog about a beer fridge I thought he had beaten me to the punch. In my spare time I too have been using our CFD tools to analyze a beer fridge. The differences are I am using FloVENT and my fridge is a self-service refrigerated showcase. The story of the showcase is not complete but I want to provide the first installment.
The idea of the open (self-service) refrigerated … Read More
Tags:
Refrigerated Display,
CFD,
Refrigerator,
Optimization,
FloVENT
Posted Nov 22, 2010, by Colin Walls
A common compiler optimization is the inclusion of a function’s code at the location(s) from where the function is called, instead of just having calls to the code located elsewhere: inlining. This provides a speed advantage, as the call/return sequence is eliminated, but may increase the memory footprint, if the function is more than a few instructions and is called more than once. I have written … Read More
Tags:
Inline,
Programming Languages,
Optimization,
Development Tools,
C
Posted Apr 30, 2010, by Nazita Saye
Let’s see a show of hands. How many of you know what I’m talking about? Yes, this was the call to action for Speedy Gonzales, the fastest cartoon mouse (and before the lawyers get involved, Speedy Gonzales and Looney Tunes are trademarks and or trade names of Warner Brothers. All rights reserved). A direct translation of it means: Up! Up! Go on! Go on! And he’d usually yell it out before speeding off … Read More
Tags:
CFD,
Concurrent CFD,
Airflow,
LEDs,
Optimization
Posted Apr 1, 2010, by Nazita Saye
I love gadgets but I hate cables – they make things so untidy. As a result, anything that can go wireless in our house has – even our light switches are on remote control. I used to think this was just plain silly when we were going through the retrofit until I realized I could turn off the kitchen lights from the comfort of our sofa. I’ve only used this “power” once but I tell you knowing that I can … Read More
Tags:
Optimization,
Physical Prototype,
CFD,
Consumer Electronics,
Automotive,
Quality,
EMI shielding,
Medical,
Design Engineer,
Thermal,
Electromagnetic Interference
Posted Feb 22, 2010, by Colin Walls
The idea of inlining code - placing the actual code of a small function at each call site - is a well known compiler optimization, which I have discussed before. This technique can provide significant performance improvements, due to the elimination of the call/return sequence. Also, stack usage is reduced. There is a possible cost in terms of increased program memory requirement.
It is reasonable … Read More
Tags:
C,
Optimization,
EDGE Compiler,
Programming Languages,
Inline
Posted Jan 18, 2010, by Nazita Saye
Don’t worry… I’m not going Sci-Fi on you. I’m talking about reaction forces. What do I mean by reaction forces? Well, when there is a relative motion between a solid object and a surrounding fluid, a force will be placed on the solid due to the pressure variation over the surface of the solid. This force is caused by the change in speed and direction of the fluid. For example, we see reaction forces … Read More
Tags:
Safety,
Reaction Forces,
Design Engineer,
FloEFD,
CFD,
Quality,
R&D,
Optimization,
Physical Prototype
Jim Martens
John Day
J VanDomelen
Michael Ford
Robin Bornoff
Mike Jensen
Tom Fitzpatrick
Patrick Carrier
Mark Laing
Travis Mikjaniec
Christopher Hallinan
Bernard Sutton