Getting Started with LPC2148 ARM7 Controller??

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Hello!!! Everyone..

I just purchased an ARM LPC2148 USB Development Board for learning and getting started with ARM.

I am new to ARM so can any one recommend good books related to this controller like Mazidi for 8051 and PIC, I like them they are very good for newbie.

I also want to know regarding the compilers in which we can write ARM Programs..

I have listened about Keil u Vision and downloaded that, and integrate GNU C Compiler with it(This is done with the help of a friend who had undergone training on ARM).
But i am having some problem with the flash.ld in that..
I don't know what are they...

Are there some other compilers which are freely available and some good IDE's like Keil.

The Development Board i purchased comes with a in-built bootloader so i am not having any idea regarding how to program this without bootloader.

Heard a term JTAG Programmer and Debugger... My Board is having a connector for this.

Can can anyone explain me properly and tell me how to get started soon with ARM Controllers.

Thanks in Advance

 

[bigdogguru]

The following are some good textbooks concerning ARMs:

ARM System-on-Chip Architecture

ARM System Developer's Guide: Designing and Optimizing System Software

The following series of texts cover the ARM Cortex-M3 Architecture, which is different than the LPC21XX series, however some of the information does apply to the LPC21XX series:

Embedded Systems: Introduction to Arm Cortex-M3 Microcontrollers

Embedded Systems: Real-Time Interfacing to the Arm Cortex-M3

Embedded Systems: Real-Time Operating Systems for the Arm Cortex-M3

The GNU C Compiler is compatible the Eclipse IDE:

YAGARTO - Yet Another GNU ARM Toolchain



The JTAG connector to which you are referring, provides both programming, debugging and testing facilities.

The two popular commercial JTAG programmer/debuggers for ARM are:

Segger's J-Link



Segger does provide the J-Link for noncommercial applications at a very significant discount:

Segger's J-Link EDU

Of course there are clones of both the above available, which have varying degrees of compatibility with the drivers and software.


BigDog

 

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Thanks for your reply bigdog...

You have suggested me so many books thanks for all.

But if possible suggest me one good book which is having good discription of lpc21xx series

if here is any book then please suggest me

thanks in advance

 

[alexan_e]

Maybe you can start by downloading the free ebooks from hitex
http://www.hitex.com/index.php?id=download-insiders-guides

Then you can get an idea of the devices and decide what to buy.

Also experiment with the code bundles provided by NXP
http://ics.nxp.com/support/documents/microcontrollers/?scope=LPC2148

Alex

 

[bigdogguru]

Unfortunately, there are not any textbooks similar in format to the Mazidi for PIC or 8051, which specifically cover the LPC21XX series. However the set of three texts by Valvano which I have provided the links for in my previous post are similar in format as Mazidi and while the cover specifically the ARM Cortex-M3, much of the information and techniques is transferable to the LPC21XX series. The three texts are presented in format where several labs covering a specific topics steps you through the process of development for that topic.

There is also the following online tutorials covering the LPC21XX series:



**broken link removed**

ARM GCC Tutorial


BigDog

 

[Jigar 4 Electronics]

The following are some good textbooks concerning ARMs:

ARM System-on-Chip Architecture

ARM System Developer's Guide: Designing and Optimizing System Software


BigDog

Hello BigDogGuru,
I am also starting with ARm and that also with LPC2148.
Can you tell me which one is the best out of the above two books which you've recommend.

I wanna buy only one book & that's why I am confused which one to buy.

In addition to it, can you tell me how can I start with RTOS on ARM (LPC2148),
Is there any good book which can make me aware with everything I need to know about RTOS ?

Thanks for your time.

 

[bobsanjose]

Hello BigDogGuru,
I am also starting with ARm and that also with LPC2148.
Can you tell me which one is the best out of the above two books which you've recommend.

Is there any good book which can make me aware with everything I need to know about RTOS ?

Hi,
that depends what kind of programs you are going to write.

The system on chip architecture is about understanding the ARM architecture, not so much about example programs.
The System Developer's Guide is about low level programming on driver level. If you are a C-Programmer and just want to get going with ARM, neither book is required but both are helpful.
The Hitex Insider's guides include a number of specific examples and can be downloaded for free (as mentioned before).
https://www.hitex.com/index.php?id=download-insiders-guides

Just a question, why are you starting with the LPC2148 which is about 8 years old when there are great and inexpensive boards available for LPC1xxx using the much better Cortex-M3 core?
Programming the COrtex-M3 is actually easier than programming the LPC2148 because the Cortex-M core is simplified and more powerful at the same time.

 

[bigdogguru]

Can you tell me which one is the best out of the above two books which you've recommend.

I wanna buy only one book & that's why I am confused which one to buy.

In addition to it, can you tell me how can I start with RTOS on ARM (LPC2148),
Is there any good book which can make me aware with everything I need to know about RTOS ?

Actually, I would recommend the second volume from the Valvano series which I mentioned in my first post to this thread.

The following series of texts cover the ARM Cortex-M3 Architecture, which is different than the LPC21XX series, however some of the information does apply to the LPC21XX series:

Embedded Systems: Introduction to Arm Cortex-M3 Microcontrollers

Embedded Systems: Real-Time Interfacing to the Arm Cortex-M3

Embedded Systems: Real-Time Operating Systems for the Arm Cortex-M3

The third volume is primarily devoted to RTOS development for the ARM platform.

Also download Pont's excellent book which covers RTOS development now available for free in PDF format:

Patterns for Time-Triggered Embedded Systems

While the source code examples were written for the 8051, the techniques are directly portable to almost any MCU.


BigDog

 

[Jigar 4 Electronics]

Just a question, why are you starting with the LPC2148 which is about 8 years old when there are great and inexpensive boards available for LPC1xxx using the much better Cortex-M3 core?
Programming the COrtex-M3 is actually easier than programming the LPC2148 because the Cortex-M core is simplified and more powerful at the same time.

Well actually I am still confused what should I use for my project.
I've make post for regarding this confusion also but I didn't get any (satisfied) response, The post link is this :https://www.edaboard.com/threads/261837/

I am a student & making Final Year project, my requirements are as follow :

I've used 8051 only &

I am going to make a big + complex project in which I need to interface following applications:

1) Image processing (wanna store 10 images and wanna match the current view with the stored Images)
2) wanna interface 6 IR Sensors
3) 6 channel 8 bit (minimum 8 bit) ADC (in build in uC)
4) Xbee module
5) I2C, UART Interfacing
6) Interrupt priority levels
7) Watch dog Timer
8) wanna interface 2x16 LCD
9) wanna interface GPS module (not selected which module to use yet.)

Please guide me regarding the selection of uC.

Tell me the best controller suitable to this application.ARM ???
Cost is not an issue.

the Image Processing will be of face detection with the Database of 10 people. At present I don't know how much the size of the image will be.
And one more thing is I won't going to interface it through PC, the database of images will be on board (external EEPROM may be needed).

I wanna use RTOS to develop this application.
I am not sure whether my selection in best or not.

Can you help me with this ?

It'll be best for me if anyone from you can help me regarding the selection of uC.
I am a good C Programmer and also know some basic things about ARM core processors.
I've select LPC2148 because I've observed a trend to use it around student level and also because it fulfills my requirements.
If any better controller is there then please guide me.


Thanks a lot for giving your valuable time.

 

[bigdogguru]

Facial recognition will require some horsepower, I would recommend utilizing an ARM in your design.

You're actually in luck, TI has just announced the release of an ARM Cortex-M4 Launchpad for less $5:

EK-LM4F120XL—Stellaris® LM4F120 LaunchPad Low-Cost Evaluation Kit

Also the Embedded Artist LPC1769 LPCXpresso board which sports an ARM Cortex-M3 is a reasonably priced development board with a builtin JTAG programmer/debugger:

LPC1769 LPCXpresso board

Most major distributors carry the Embedded Artist product line, like Mouser and Digikey.

Mouser EA-XPR-003

Another reasonably priced option is the:

STM32F4DISCOVERY

Which sports STM's ARM Cortex-M4 as well.


BigDog

 

[internetuser2k12]

You can use RedSuite 4 from Code Red.

 

[Jigar 4 Electronics]

Facial recognition will require some horsepower, I would recommend utilizing an ARM in your design.

You're actually in luck, TI has just announced the release of an ARM Cortex-M4 Launchpad for less $5:

EK-LM4F120XL—Stellaris® LM4F120 LaunchPad Low-Cost Evaluation Kit

Thanks to make me aware about this launchpad.
According to you can I go with this controller for all my requirements ??
And if yes then can you tell me where I can learn everything about ARM Cortex-M4 ?
Technical reference manual(of Cortex M3/M4) from ARM is what I've for this, But is it enough to start with ARM for the first time?

- - - Updated - - -

Hi,
that depends what kind of programs you are going to write.

The system on chip architecture is about understanding the ARM architecture, not so much about example programs.
The System Developer's Guide is about low level programming on driver level. If you are a C-Programmer and just want to get going with ARM, neither book is required but both are helpful.

Well Actually I am a C-Programmer, & wanna learn about the Architecture of ARM, that's why I asked which is better out of those 2 books.
So if you've experience of both then if you recommend me anyone then I can buy that book.

Thanks

 

[bigdogguru]

According to you can I go with this controller for all my requirements ??

Without more definitive information as to the requirements of your project, I would be unable to state such a claim as fact.

However, at $4.99 USD with free shipping, it certainly would provide a low cost introduction to the ARM Cortex-M4 series.

If you find your projects requirements surpass the resources of the TI Stellaris Launchpad, you might consider one of the other two recommendations I have provided.

And if yes then can you tell me where I can learn everything about ARM Cortex-M4 ?
Technical reference manual(of Cortex M3/M4) from ARM is what I've for this, But is it enough to start with ARM for the first time?

As I indicated in my previous post I would recommend the second volume of the Valvano series:

Embedded Systems: Real-Time Interfacing to the Arm® Cortex(TM)-M3

The text emphasizes more of a hands on approach, presenting a particular interfacing task accompanied by a possible solution in a lab environment. At almost 600 pages it is packed with examples and techniques which apply to both the ARM Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4.

If you find the text to your liking then you might consider obtaining both volume one and volume three. Volume one concentrates on more of a low level introduction contrasting Assembly and C language constructs, while volume three centers around the use of RTOSs in conjunction with an ARM Cortex-M3.

As far as the other two texts which I recommended and you are disussing with bobsanjose, the ARM System-on-Chip Architecture centers around the optimization of various aspects of the ARM architecture with code examples in Assembly language, while the ARM System Developer's Guide: Designing and Optimizing System Software is somewhat similar, although with introspective at a slightly higher level covering specifics to various ARM architectures, primarily ARM7 and ARM9, with code examples in both C and Assembly language.

In both cases the texts maybe to advanced and general in scope for an introduction into the ARM Cortex-M3/4 (ARMv7-M) as this architecture was not available at the time the texts were written.

The ARM Cortex-M3/4 architectures (ARMv7-M) support only the Thumb/Thumb2, not the ARM Instruction Set.



BigDog