Introduction

Two methods can be done:

• Including the processor code in LiteX framework (see CV32E40P [4]).
• Importing the processor code from an external repository (see FemtoRV [5]).

The choice mainly depends on how the HDL code is written. This tutorial focuses on the first method as targeted processors will be composed of several HDL files. We will see later how it is configured.

LiteX workflow for custom processors

This tutorial is based on the work done by Antmicro for the CV32E40P [4].

• arduino-cli: Command Line Interface for Arduino
• ARM cross compiler: sudo apt install gcc-arm-none-eabi

Sample program

We want to create the most simple program which goal is to light on the built-in LED, located at port PB27 on the Arduino Due.

Arduino

void setup()
{
    pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}
void loop()
{
	digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH);
}

Embedded C

int main()
{
    PIOB->PIO_PER = 1<<27;       /* Enable port PB27 */
    PIOB->PIO_OER = 1<<27;       /* Configure PB27 as output */
    PIOB->PIO_ODSR = 0xFFFFFFFF; /* Write 1 in all PORTB ports */
    return 0;
}

Codes and compilation

$ ls -lR
./led-arduino:
total 4
-rw-r--r-- 1 pascal pascal 104 mai    1 12:58 led-arduino.ino
./led-embedded:
total 4
-rw-r--r-- 1 pascal pascal 81 mai    1 13:00 led-embedded.ino
$ arduino-cli compile --fqbn arduino:sam:arduino_due_x --output-dir led-arduino led-arduino
$ arduino-cli compile --fqbn arduino:sam:arduino_due_x --output-dir led-embedded led-embedded

Binary comparison

The embedded C code is 5 times smaller than the Arduino one which is a bit “weird” as both codes do the same thing! Let’s find why by reversing binaries and analyzing assembly codes.

As I was teaching some embedded C basics, I was asked what are some benefits of embedded C over the classic Arduino language for an Arduino-based board. This article tries to see what we can do by reversing a really simple program compiled with both methods for the Arduino Uno.

Prerequisites

• arduino-cli: Command Line Interface for Arduino. You will need to install the AVR toolchain as well: arduino-cli core install arduino:avr
• AVR cross compiler: sudo apt install gcc-avr
• Optional: an Arduino simulator such as SimulIDE

Sample program