Development Tools

Table of contents

The Cybiko computer

Computer magazines present information about computers in a predictable fashion. Chances are, there is a table with processor, ROM, RAM, mass storage columns, then some other columns, then, of course, price. Presented that way, Cybiko's specifications will probably make you think were a throwback to the old days of Personal Computers. Indeed, Cybiko computer has 512k of RAM, 512k of flash memory, a 11-MHz processor, and a 4-color LCD display with 160x100 pixel resolution. You have to understand that Cybiko is not like other computers. Cybiko is a pocket-size, handheld, wireless computer. Two-way wireless communication is built into the design. The aim of this manual is to reveal the programming details to get you started writing applications for Cybiko computer so you can harness its unique features. This manual will explain what it takes to write your first "Hello, World!" program, what it takes to get the most out of the 11-Mhz processor, and what it takes to stuff your 1-megabyte masterpiece into our modest 512k.

Hardware specifications

   Main Processor: 32 bit, 11 MHz Hitachi H8S/2246
   Coprocessor: Atmel AT90S2313, 4 MHz
   RAM: 512 KB
   Flash disk: 512 KB, extendible up to 1 MB
   LCD display: 160x100 dots, 59x40 mm, 4 level grayscale
   RF transceiver: RF2915
   Expansion cartridge slot: 68-pin
   PC connection socket: RS232 serial port
   Size: 5.7" x 2.8" x 0.86"
   Weight: 4.3 oz

Features and figures

If you've programmed a wide range of computers (that is, not just PCs) then you probably can point out a counterpart of almost each and every feature of CybikoTM computers (with the exception of the wireless connection and the very way computers communicate). But Cybiko, and programming for Cybiko, is unique. Highlights include: Finally, the heart of the SDK is its C compiler, capable of producing very tight, and quite effective, code. The unique feature of the underlying virtual machine is its ability to operate upon registers (vs. "top of stack" for virtually any other vm, including that of JavaTM); this adds significant gain to overall performance. You may learn more about the Cybiko bytecode interpreter, as well as about the C compiler (that produces respectable code), in other sections of the manual.

Conclusion

The above described features could be summarized as follows:
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