Configuring Memory Settings in Keil uVision for Embedded Firmware
Configuring memory settings in Keil uVision is an essential task for firmware developers, enabling them to optimize embedded systems according to the specific architecture and resource constraints of a microcontroller. Here’s how you can configure these settings effectively:
Accessing the Target Options
To start modifying memory settings, navigate to the project window and:
- Right-click on your project target and select Options for Target.
- In the opened dialog, switch to the Target tab. This tab is where you will specify the memory model for code and data.
Configuring Flash and RAM Settings
You can configure your device’s Flash and RAM from this interface:
- Under Read/Write Memory Areas, specify the starting address and size for ROM (Flash) and RAM. These values directly impact how your code will be executed and how data will be stored.
- Correct values here are critical: check your microcontroller's datasheet for these details.
Customizing Memory Definitions
Adjust the startup file and linker script as needed:
- Locate the
_.s or _.S startup file in your project. This file may contain assembler directives for memory initialization.
- You might need to adjust linker settings or scripts to align with your memory map.
; Example adjustment in a Startup.s file
AREA RESET, CODE, READONLY
ENTRY
EXPORT __main
__main ; Your main entry point
Modifying the Linker Script
Ensure the linker script matches your specific memory needs:
- Open the linker script file, typically ending in
.ld or .scatter for ARM Cortex devices.
- Define memory sections to be in line with the hardware specifications.
MEMORY
{
FLASH (rx) : ORIGIN = 0x08000000, LENGTH = 512K
RAM (rwx) : ORIGIN = 0x20000000, LENGTH = 128K
}
SECTIONS
{
.text : { *(.text) } > FLASH
.data : { *(.data) } > RAM
.bss : { *(.bss) } > RAM
}
Utilizing the Memory Window for Debugging
During development, it's advantageous to use the Memory Window for monitoring:
- Open the Debug menu, select Start/Stop Debug Session.
- View memory locations, monitor stack usage, and ensure data is being managed as expected.
Conclusion
Configuring memory in Keil uVision is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it requires attention to detail and a strong understanding of both the software tool and the specific hardware being used. Carefully adjusting the memory configuration will ensure that firmware operates correctly and efficiently on the target microcontroller. By following these steps, firmware developers can make the most out of uVision's powerful capabilities.
