Number of files limitation

[mke_et]

OK, I REALLY need to get by the number of files limitation in CW.

I'm using the Special Edition, which limits you, but I'm writing totally in assembly, for the 9S12 with 128K of Flash.  I'm using all but 2 pages of Flash at this point.

I have two more modules I have to get done quickly, and that will fill up my part.

However, I'm now bumping the file limit wall.

Originally I used the 68HC11 part with a WaferScale expanion part.  With that part I kept everything as 'different programs', right down to the core.  Now with the 9S12 part, I've converted to a 'common core' and each of the 'program modules' that run use the common core, instead of having separate builds that do EVERYTHING but only each module.  Now my product brings up a menu on the screen and the user selects which program to run.

I did it that way since I had to redo how I used the flash (one page is data, and the 9S12 work differently from the Waferscale) and in the redesign I had to totally redo how all the I/O worked, like keypad, LCD, and external sensors and even the com port.  No big deal, the 9S12 with CodeWarrior made it surprisingly simple.  Not easy!  But much less of a headache than I expected.

However, as I'm closing in on the last two modules I find I still DO have an incredible headache.  The 32 file limit.  Now up to this point, I've been able to get rid of some of the headache by taking out of the mcp file the modules that are working, and the sub-modules that are unique to that module.  As I move routines into 'common' space and modified the modules to use the common space piece by piece.  It made the modules smaller, and gave me some commonality between the modules that helped things along. 

But now as I close in the last two, on a REAL tight schedule, I'm finding I need to be even more 'interactive' between the modules as I debug, and the 32 file limit is a ROYAL PAIN (PITA?  Am I allowed to say that here?)

So...  At what level do I have to 'pay' just to get that **bleep** 32 file limit out of my CW???

Mike

[J2MEJediMaster · Accepted solution]

You need to upgrade to the the C compiler option for the special edition. This will give you a C compiler you don't need, but it does eliminate the 32-file limit. More information can be found in the Buyer's Guide for HC9S12X Microcontrollers.

[mke_et]

I looked at the pdf file, and the 'table' shows only one upgrade for SE, listed as (if I read it right) CWS-H2-XC64K-CX.

However, the text specifically states there are TWO upgrades to SE.

So, anyone know what the story is?  And how much each of the upgrades cost?

Like I said earlier, I'm looking at this STRICTLY for the number of files limitation.

By the way, I did a search of the Freescale web site and the only reference to the thing comes up as an XGate enhancement to CW4.1 and says "No Longer Manufactured".

Mike

Message Edited by mke_et on 05-25-200611:26 AM

[mke_et]

Just heard 'officially' from Freescale.

Seems the upgrades are all discontinued.  Except for the big one at $1000. 

Now, that may be fine, if I needed more C support or other features in the upgrade.  But all I want to do is get rid of the 32-file limit.

$1000...

Gonna make me check out tools a bit better in the future for my next project...

[mke_et]

I wasn't aware there were multiple 'mini-upgrades' available to SE.

Yeah, I know, I was just spouting...  It's good software, but I'm really frustrated adding and removing files.  I'll have to see if the upgrade cost is worth the hassle factor.