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2. General Information
2.1 Objective of MR100 Development
In line with recent rapid technological advances in microcomputers, the functions of microcomputer-based products have
become complicated. In addition, the microcomputer program size has increased. Further, as product development competi-
tion has been intensified, manufacturers are compelled to develop their microcomputer-based products within a short period
of time.
In other words, engineers engaged in microcomputer software development are now required to develop larger-size pro-
grams within a shorter period of time. To meet such stringent requirements, it is necessary to take the following considera-
tions into account.
1. To enhance software recyclability to decrease the volume of software to be developed.
One way to provide for software recyclability is to divide software into a number of functional modules wherever
possible. This may be accomplished by accumulating a number of general-purpose subroutines and other program
segments and using them for program development. In this method, however, it is difficult to reuse programs that
are dependent on time or timing. In reality, the greater part of application programs are dependent on time or tim-
ing. Therefore, the above recycling method is applicable to only a limited number of programs.
2. To promote team programming so that a number of engineers are engaged in the development
of one software package
There are various problems with team programming. One major problem is that debugging can be initiated only
when all the software program segments created individually by team members are ready for debugging. It is es-
sential that communication be properly maintained among the team members.
3. To enhance software production efficiency so as to increase the volume of possible software
development per engineer.
One way to achieve this target would be to educate engineers to raise their level of skill. Another way would be to
make use of a structured descriptive assembler, C-compiler, or the like with a view toward facilitating program-
ming. It is also possible to enhance debugging efficiency by promoting modular software development.
However, the conventional methods are not adequate for the purpose of solving the problems. Under these circumstances, it
is necessary to introduce a new system named real-time OS
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To answer the above-mentioned demand, Renesas has developed a real-time operating system, tradenamed MR100, for use
with the R32C/100 series of 32-bit microcomputers .
When the MR100 is introduced, the following advantages are offered.
1. Software recycling is facilitated.
When the real-time OS is introduced, timing signals are furnished via the real-time OS so that programs depend-
ent on timing can be reused. Further, as programs are divided into modules called tasks, structured programming
will be spontaneously provided.
That is, recyclable programs are automatically prepared.
2. Ease of team programming is provided.
When the real-time OS is put to use, programs are divided into functional modules called tasks. Therefore, engi-
neers can be allocated to individual tasks so that all steps from development to debugging can be conducted inde-
pendently for each task.
Further, the introduction of the real-time OS makes it easy to start debugging some already finished tasks even if
the entire program is not completed yet. Since engineers can be allocated to individual tasks, work assignment is
easy.
3. Software independence is enhanced to provide ease of program debugging.
As the use of the real-time OS makes it possible to divide programs into small independent modules called tasks,
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OS:Operating System