Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:26Here's some more ''first ARM'' guidance:
If you're like us - you will be struck by the seeming complexity,
number and length of the signal/register definitions/declarations. Compared to your familiar 8-bit - the ARM is off-putting. Like you -
we like to start by toggling a single I/O - but in the ARM world this
is a big, big deal. And so much typing/cut->pasting...
You've had to ask - WHY go thru all this? All the seeming complexity
''Opens the power, flexibility and performance of these GREAT, new micros!
And once you go thru the required ''set-ups'' and definitions you will
be able to re-use most. So it is primarily a ''one-time'' learning
curve battle. Truth in Advertising - as your focus shifts beyond I/O
you will AGAIN have to master pin, signal and register definitions.
All of the flexibility causes an ''apparent'' significant increase in
set-up/mode-selection etc.
Here are some specific recommendations my firm employs:
1) Find someone who has recent, specific experience with your ARM family.
Beg, trade, entice their assistance. Taking forever is NOT an option!
2) Buy proper, tested Eval boards - a very basic AND ST's teriffic
TFT Eval board (if you can afford it). We've had better results with
a very simple board - the more complex ones FORCE a level of expertise
and understanding which is beyond 99% of new users. KISS !
3) As a college instructor turned business owner - confine your learning,
study sessions to short, regular ones with targeted, written goals. You
can't master these chips with the ease of ''simpler'' ones from your past.
4) Find several others to ''co-learn.'' When you're hopelessly ''blocked''
the ''other guy'' often proves helpful. Too often - engineers ''Lone Ranger'' mentality retards their learning and career achievements.
5) Sorry - you have ''NO choice'' but to systematically read EVERY post
in this forum. Posts range from ridiculous to expert - there is NO
better way to get a real ''feel'' for the chips and development issues.
6) Many forum-posters have tremendous problems with self-produced
boards. My firm calls this, ''Maximum Randomness!'' New hardware,
new software, connection integrity, complex chip - you could not choose
a path more destined to failure/frustration! KNOW what you're doing with the hardware OR software AND be sure of your smt production skills BEFORE attempting your own pcb design... Engineers/Programmers MUST value their TIME !
This forum is filled with talented, generous contributors. You should
cover the ''basics'' before posting - provide complete data - and always
''close the loop'' so that our forum community LEARNS what worked/failed.
blatant ''plug'' follows:
As my firm has had much success following the above we will shortly
be offering a basic STM Eval bd - with unique, mono Graphic Lcd -
NAV Sw, & Soft-Keys priced at $39 Q10. A more complex board
will continue the Nav Sw & Soft Keys - but include TFT: $99 Q10 !
Unlike existing Eval/Dev bds. - ours are intended for compact panel
mount - achieving an economical, high performance GUI in mono or color...
