1. Introduction to Firmware and Software
Dr. Judith D. Schlesinger
July 20-21, 2017

2. The Hardware System
laptop
Robot Control
cortex
joystick
key
key

3. Downloading Firmware & Software
Upgrade IFI VEXnet firmware on Cortex and Joystick from easyC
Download BEST default code from the BEST website to your laptop
Open and modify the BEST default code in easyC
Connect USB A-A cable from laptop to Cortex
Build and download code from laptop to Cortex

4. Download the Program . Use only the USB A-A cable July, 2012
Copyright © BEST Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved.
July, 2012

5. What is Firmware? Code that is developed for you
Never try to change it
That’s why it’s called firmware
If it gets messed up, simply download it again

6. Firmware (cont.) Firmware is a compromise
Implements tasks that are not in the hardware
Makes it easier to program the tasks you need
Should be optimized to run as fast as possible
“Given” to you by the hardware developer
Treat the compiler/interpreter as firmware

7. Hardware vs Software Trade-off between hardware and software
Cost vs time
Hardware performs faster than software but costs more (time and or money)
Software may be easier to implement than hardware
E.g., limiting motion of a robot arm

8. Software Developed by your team to control the robot
Program, code, macro, app
It’s important…
Difference between mediocre performance and great performance of same robot

9. Software (cont.) Can start with the BEST default code
Good way to see how to begin
NOT strong code…less robust than in the past
Don’t skip on the design step
Need to identify what you want to do
How you want to do it
Before you start developing the code

10. The Software Design Process
Problem Definition (Analysis)
Conceptual Design (Synthesis)
Preliminary Design (Evaluation)
Design Decision (Decision )
Detailed Design (Action)
Documentation is crucial!
Production, Integration & Test (Build & Verify)

11. Software (cont.) When it doesn’t work… Don’t try for a quick fix
Do analyze your code and determine where the problem(s) is
Go back to the beginning
What are you trying to do?
What do you need to do it?
Then write new code/change existing code

12. Engineering Notebook: Software Section
Document your work as you develop your code
Describe what you want to accomplish
Implementation goals
Problems that arise
Bad assumptions
How you resolve them

13. Software (cont.)
Be creative
Have FUN!!!