Craig E Goldman - CoAutomation Inc.
508-366-9552 - info@coautomation.com

Using “Style” to Successfully Program Embedded Microcontrollers in ‘C’

IEEE Consultants Network Meeting -- Wednesday, 6:30 PM, May 28, 2008

At Foley-Hoag, 1000 Winter Street, Suite 4000, Waltham, MA

It is both good news and bad news. Compiler technology has reached the point where almost all microcontroller projects can be successfully programmed in ‘C’. Assembly language is rarely needed any more for performance, code density or even special functionality. This is good news. ‘C’ code is easier to understand and modify than assembler. This is also bad news since some programmers produce ‘C’ code that can be a torture to read. To help, many companies adopted guidelines for ‘C’ coding style. This is good news. Unfortunately, most ‘C’ styles are hastily thrown together documents with few real suggestions.

In 2005, Craig Goldman was challenged to improve one company’s ‘C’ style guide. That project was delivered in a few days and was a modest 15 page document. Being an engineer, Craig continued to tinker. Craig’s own ‘C’ style guide has grown to 10 chapters and over 150 guidelines. There are 18 guidelines just on writing comments. Some of these guidelines are obvious, some are controversial and still others are down-right pushy.

Craig will present his ‘C’ style as well as discuss why having a coding style can prevent many software development ills. Plenty of time will be allocated for questions and opposing views.

Craig Goldman has almost 30 years experience in designing hardware and firmware for embedded microcontroller-based systems. He has SB and SM degrees from the Massachusetts of Technology and an MBA from Nichols College. Mr. Goldman has an extensive track-record of successful projects with TI MSP430, Microchip PIC, Freescale HC08 and various 8051 microcontrollers. He has designed products for dozens of companies in the consumer, industrial and medical markets. He is a member of the IEEE and the Boston Consultants Network.

PLEASE NOTE:

No charge for Consultants Network members;  or non-members.  The meeting is free and open to the public. Casual dress.

The Consultants Network meeting starts at 6:30 PM. The meeting location is at Foley Hoag LLP, Emerging Enterprise Center, Bay Colony Corporate Center, 1000 Winter Street, Suite 4000, North Entrance, Waltham, MA. From Route 128 take Exit 27B (Winter Street). At the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto Wyman St. At the next set of lights, turn right on Winter St. Stay in the far right lane and continue around the reservoir. Turn left at Bay Colony Corporate Center. Proceed to 1000 Winter Street and enter at the NORTH entrance

http://www.foleyhoag.com/TheFirm/Offices/Emerging%20Enterprise%20Center%20at%20Foley%20Hoag.aspx

Check the Consultants Network website for details and last minute information of our upcoming lectures series for 2007-2008

http://www.boston-consult.com/calendar.php

For more information, e-mail cn.boston@ieee.org or chairman@boston-consult.com; or contact the chairman Tom Vaughan at 781-344-0087. The Consultants Network website is at www.boston-consult.org.