User`s manual

14 digi.com Introduction to Dynamic C
2.3 Rabbit and Z180 Comparison
A major difference in the way Dynamic C interacts with a Rabbit-based board compared to a Z180 or
386EX board is that Dynamic C expects no BIOS kernel to be present on the target when it starts up.
Dynamic C stores the BIOS kernel as a C source file. Dynamic C compiles and loads it to the Rabbit target
when it starts. This is accomplished using the Rabbit CPU’s bootstrap mode and a special programming
cable provided in all Rabbit product development kits. This method has numerous advantages.
• A socketed flash is no longer needed. BIOS updates can be made without a flash-EPROM burner since
Dynamic C can communicate with a target that has a blank flash EPROM. Blank flash EPROM can be
surface-mounted onto boards, reducing manufacturing costs for both Rabbit and other board develop-
ers. BIOS updates can then be made available on the Web.
• Advanced users can see and modify the BIOS kernel directly.
• Board developers can design Dynamic C compatible boards around the Rabbit CPU by simply follow-
ing a few simple design guidelines and using a “skeleton” BIOS provided by Rabbit.
• A major feature is the ability to program and debug over the Internet or local Ethernet. This requires
either the use of a RabbitLink board, available alone or as an option with Rabbit-based development
kits, or the use of RabbitSys.