MPLAB XC16 C Compiler User's Guide - Microchip Technology · 2020. 7. 7. · 2012-2020 Microchip...

2012-2020 Microchip Technology Inc. DS50002071K

MPLAB® XC16 C CompilerUser’s Guide

DS50002071K-page 2 2012-2020 Microchip Technology Inc.

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MPLAB® XC16 C COMPILER

USER’S GUIDE

Table of Contents

Preface ......................................................................................................................... 13Chapter 1. Compiler Overview

1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 171.2 Device Description ....................................................................................... 171.3 Compiler Description and Documentation .................................................... 17

1.3.1 ANSI C Standard ....................................................................................... 171.3.2 Optimization .............................................................................................. 181.3.3 ANSI Standard Library Support ................................................................. 181.3.4 Flexible Memory Models ............................................................................ 181.3.5 Attributes and Qualifiers ............................................................................ 181.3.6 Compiler Driver ......................................................................................... 181.3.7 Documentation .......................................................................................... 18

1.4 Compiler and Other Development Tools ...................................................... 19Chapter 2. Common C Interface

2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 212.2 Background – The Desire for Portable Code ............................................... 21

2.2.1 The ANSI Standard ................................................................................... 222.2.2 The Common C Interface .......................................................................... 23

2.3 Using the CCI ............................................................................................... 232.4 ANSI Standard Refinement .......................................................................... 24

2.4.1 Source File Encoding ................................................................................ 242.4.2 The Prototype for main .............................................................................. 242.4.3 Header File Specification .......................................................................... 252.4.4 Include Search Paths ................................................................................ 252.4.5 The Number of Significant Initial Characters in an Identifier ..................... 262.4.6 Sizes of Types ........................................................................................... 262.4.7 Plain char Types ...................................................................................... 272.4.8 Signed Integer Representation .................................................................. 272.4.9 Integer Conversion .................................................................................... 272.4.10 Bitwise Operations on Signed Values ..................................................... 282.4.11 Right-shifting Signed Values ................................................................... 282.4.12 Conversion of Union Member Accessed Using Member With Different Type

292.4.13 Default Bit-field int Type ........................................................................ 292.4.14 Bit-fields Straddling a Storage Unit Boundary ......................................... 302.4.15 The Allocation Order of Bit-fields ............................................................. 302.4.16 The NULL Macro ...................................................................................... 312.4.17 Floating-point Sizes ................................................................................. 31

2.5 ANSI Standard Extensions ........................................................................... 322.5.1 Generic Header File .................................................................................. 322.5.2 Absolute Addressing ................................................................................. 32

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MPLAB® XC16 C Compiler User’s Guide

2.5.3 Far Objects and Functions .........................................................................332.5.4 Near Objects ..............................................................................................342.5.5 Persistent Objects ......................................................................................352.5.6 X and Y Data Objects ................................................................................362.5.7 Banked Data Objects .................................................................................362.5.8 Alignment of Objects ..................................................................................372.5.9 EEPROM Objects ......................................................................................382.5.10 Interrupt Functions ...................................................................................392.5.11 Packing Objects .......................................................................................412.5.12 Indicating Antiquated Objects ..................................................................422.5.13 Assigning Objects to Sections .................................................................422.5.14 Specifying Configuration Bits ...................................................................432.5.15 Manifest Macros .......................................................................................442.5.16 In-line Assembly .......................................................................................45

2.6 Compiler Features ........................................................................................ 462.6.1 Enabling the CCI ........................................................................................46

Chapter 3. How To’s3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 473.2 Installing and Activating the Compiler .......................................................... 47

3.2.1 How Do I Install and Activate My Compiler? ..............................................473.2.2 How Can I Tell If the Compiler Has Installed and Activated Successfully? 473.2.3 Can I Install More Than One Version of the Same Compiler? ...................48

3.3 Invoking the Compiler ................................................................................... 483.3.1 How Do I Compile from Within MPLAB X IDE? .........................................483.3.2 How Do I Compile on the Command Line? ................................................483.3.3 How Can I Select Which Compiler Version to Build With? ........................493.3.4 How Can I Change the Compiler Optimizations? ......................................503.3.5 How Do I Know Which Optimization Features I Get? ................................503.3.6 How Do I Know Which Compiler Options Are Available and What They Do?

503.3.7 How Do I Build Libraries? ..........................................................................503.3.8 How Do I Know What the Build Options in MPLAB X IDE Do? .................503.3.9 What is Different About an MPLAB X IDE Debug Build? ...........................50

3.4 Writing Source Code .................................................................................... 503.4.1 C Language Specifics ................................................................................513.4.2 Device-Specific Features ...........................................................................513.4.3 Memory Allocation .....................................................................................533.4.4 Variables ....................................................................................................543.4.5 Functions ...................................................................................................573.4.6 Interrupts ....................................................................................................593.4.7 Assembly Code ..........................................................................................60

3.5 Getting My Application to Do What I Want ................................................... 623.5.1 How Do I Generate Debug Information? ....................................................623.5.2 Why No Disassembly in the MPLAB X IDE Disassembly Window? ..........623.5.3 How Do I Share Data Between Interrupt and Main-line Code? .................623.5.4 How to Protect My Code After It Is Programmed Into a Device? ...............623.5.5 How Do I Redirect Standard I/O When Using Printf? ................................633.5.6 How Do I Place Variables in Off-Chip Memory? ........................................633.5.7 How Can I Implement a Delay in My Code? ..............................................633.5.8 How Can I Rotate a Variable? ...................................................................63


Table of Contents

3.6 Understanding the Compilation Process ...................................................... 643.6.1 How Does Licensing Affect Features and Optimization Levels? ............... 643.6.2 Why Can’t I Debug my Code after I Optimize? .......................................... 643.6.3 How Can I Make My Code Smaller? ......................................................... 653.6.4 How Can I Reduce RAM Usage? .............................................................. 653.6.5 How Can I Make My Code Faster? ........................................................... 653.6.6 What are the Speed vs. Size Tradeoffs? ................................................... 663.6.7 How Can I Control Where the Language Tool Places Objects in Memory? ..

663.6.8 How Can I Make My Interrupt Routine Faster? ......................................... 663.6.9 How Big Can C Variables Be? .................................................................. 673.6.10 Which Optimizations Will Be Applied to My Code? ................................. 673.6.11 Which Devices are Supported by the Compiler? ..................................... 673.6.12 How Do I Know What Code the Compiler Is Producing? ........................ 673.6.13 How Can I Tell How Big a Function Is? ................................................... 673.6.14 How Do I Learn Where Variables and Functions Have Been Positioned? ..

683.6.15 How Do I Properly Reserve Memory? ..................................................... 683.6.16 How Do I Know How Much Memory Is Still Available? ............................ 683.6.17 Which Libraries Get Included by Default? ............................................... 683.6.18 How Do I Create My Own Libraries? ....................................................... 693.6.19 Why Do I Get Out-of-memory Errors When I Select a Debugger? .......... 693.6.20 How Do I Stop My Project's Checksum From Changing? ....................... 69

3.7 Fixing Code That Does Not Work ................................................................. 703.7.1 How Do I Find Out What a Warning or Error Message Means? ................ 703.7.2 How Do I Find the Code that Caused Compiler Errors Or Warnings in My Pro-

gram? .................................................................................................... 703.7.3 How Can I Stop Warnings from Being Produced? .................................... 713.7.4 How Do I Know If the Stack Has Overflowed? .......................................... 713.7.5 What Can Cause Corrupted Variables and Code Failure When Using Inter-

rupts? ..................................................................................................... 71

Chapter 4. XC16 Toolchain and MPLAB X IDE4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 734.2 MPLAB X IDE and Tools Installation ............................................................ 734.3 MPLAB X IDE Setup .................................................................................... 744.4 MPLAB X IDE Projects ................................................................................. 74

4.4.1 Operation Summary .................................................................................. 764.4.2 References ................................................................................................ 76

4.5 Project Setup ................................................................................................ 764.5.1 XC16 (Global Options) .............................................................................. 784.5.2 xc16-as (16-Bit Assembler) ....................................................................... 794.5.3 xc16-gcc (16-Bit C Compiler) .................................................................... 814.5.4 xc16-ld (16-Bit Linker) ............................................................................... 854.5.5 xc16-ar (16-Bit Archiver/Librarian) ............................................................. 894.5.6 Options Page Features ............................................................................. 894.5.7 Additional Search Paths and Directories ................................................... 89

4.6 Project Example ........................................................................................... 904.6.1 Run the Project Wizard ............................................................................. 904.6.2 Add a File to the Project ............................................................................ 904.6.3 Build and Run the Project .......................................................................... 91



4.6.4 Output Files ................................................................................................924.6.5 Further Development .................................................................................92

Chapter 5. Compiler Command-Line Driver5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 935.2 Invoking the Compiler ................................................................................... 93

5.2.1 Drive Command-Line Format .....................................................................935.2.2 Environment Variables ...............................................................................945.2.3 Input File Types .........................................................................................96

5.3 The Compilation Sequence .......................................................................... 975.3.1 The Compiler Applications .........................................................................975.3.2 Single-Step Compilation ............................................................................985.3.3 Multi-Step Compilation .............................................................................1005.3.4 Assembly Compilation .............................................................................100

5.4 Runtime Files ............................................................................................. 1015.4.1 Library Files .............................................................................................1015.4.2 Startup and Initialization ...........................................................................102

5.5 Compiler Output ......................................................................................... 1035.5.1 Output Files ..............................................................................................1035.5.2 Diagnostic Files ........................................................................................104

5.6 Compiler Messages .................................................................................... 1045.7 Driver Option Descriptions ......................................................................... 105

5.7.1 Options Specific to 16-Bit Devices ...........................................................1055.7.2 Options for Controlling the Kind of Output ...............................................1085.7.3 Options for Controlling the C Dialect ........................................................1095.7.4 Options for Controlling Warnings and Errors ...........................................1105.7.5 Options for Debugging .............................................................................1165.7.6 Options for Controlling Optimization ........................................................1165.7.7 Options for Controlling the Preprocessor .................................................1225.7.8 Options for Assembling ............................................................................1255.7.9 Options for Linking ...................................................................................1255.7.10 Options for Directory Search ..................................................................1275.7.11 Options for Code Generation Conventions ............................................1275.7.12 Miscellaneous Options ...........................................................................129

5.8 MPLAB X IDE Toolchain Equivalents ......................................................... 129Chapter 6. Device-Related Features

6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 1316.2 Device Support ........................................................................................... 1316.3 Device Header Files ................................................................................... 131

6.3.1 Register Definition Files ...........................................................................1326.3.2 Device Support Information .....................................................................1326.3.3 Compile Time Memory Information ..........................................................132

6.4 Stack .......................................................................................................... 1336.5 Configuration Bit Access ............................................................................ 1336.6 Using SFRs ................................................................................................ 1346.7 Bit-Reversed and Modulo Addressing ........................................................ 1366.8 Using EDS .................................................................................................. 136

6.8.1 Memory Models and Address Spaces .....................................................1376.8.2 Optimizations ...........................................................................................137


Table of Contents

6.8.3 C Library Function Extensions ................................................................ 138

Chapter 7. Differences Between MPLAB XC16 and ANSI C7.1 Divergence from the ANSI C Standard ...................................................... 1397.2 Extensions to the ANSI C Standard ........................................................... 139

7.2.1 Keyword Differences ............................................................................... 1397.2.2 Expression Differences ........................................................................... 139

7.3 Implementation-Defined Behavior .............................................................. 139Chapter 8. Supported Data Types and Variables

8.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 1418.2 Identifiers .................................................................................................... 1418.3 Integer Data Types ..................................................................................... 141

8.3.1 Double-Word Integers ............................................................................. 1428.3.2 char Types ............................................................................................... 142

8.4 Floating-Point Data Types .......................................................................... 1438.5 Fixed-Point Data Types .............................................................................. 1438.6 Structures and Unions ................................................................................ 144

8.6.1 Structure and Union Qualifiers ................................................................ 1448.6.2 Bit-fields in Structures ............................................................................. 145

8.7 Pointer Types ............................................................................................. 1468.7.1 Combining Type Qualifiers and Pointers ................................................. 1468.7.2 Data Pointers ........................................................................................... 1478.7.3 Function Pointers .................................................................................... 1478.7.4 Special Pointer Targets ........................................................................... 147

8.8 Literal Constant Types and Formats .......................................................... 1488.9 Standard Type Qualifiers ............................................................................ 150

8.9.1 Const Type Qualifier ................................................................................ 1508.9.2 Volatile Type Qualifier ............................................................................. 150

8.10 Compiler-Specific type Qualifiers ............................................................. 1518.10.1 __psv__ Type Qualifier ......................................................................... 1518.10.2 __prog__ Type Qualifier ........................................................................ 1518.10.3 __eds__ Type Qualifier ......................................................................... 1528.10.4 __pack_upper_byte Type Qualifier ....................................................... 1528.10.5 __pmp__ Type Qualifier ........................................................................ 1528.10.6 __external__ Type Qualifier .................................................................. 153

8.11 Variable Attributes .................................................................................... 154Chapter 9. Fixed-Point Arithmetic Support

9.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 1639.2 Enabling Fixed-Point Arithmetic Support .................................................... 1639.3 Data Types ................................................................................................. 1639.4 Rounding .................................................................................................... 1649.5 Division By Zero ......................................................................................... 1659.6 External Definitions .................................................................................... 1659.7 Mixing C and Assembly Language Code ................................................... 165

Chapter 10. Memory Allocation and Access10.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 16710.2 Address Spaces ....................................................................................... 167



10.3 Variables In Data Space Memory ............................................................. 16810.3.1 Auto and Non-Auto Variables vs. Local and Global Variables ...............16810.3.2 Non-Auto Variable Allocation and Access .............................................16810.3.3 Auto Variable Allocation and Access .....................................................17110.3.4 Changing Auto Variable Allocation ........................................................174

10.4 Variables in Program Space ..................................................................... 17510.4.1 Allocation and Access of Program Memory Objects ..............................17510.4.2 Access of Objects in Program Memory ..................................................17710.4.3 Size Limitations of Program Memory Variables .....................................17810.4.4 Changing Program Memory Variable Allocation ....................................179

10.5 Parallel Master Port Access ..................................................................... 17910.5.1 Initialize PMP .........................................................................................17910.5.2 Declare a New Memory Space ..............................................................18010.5.3 Define Variables within PMP Space ......................................................181

10.6 External Memory Access .......................................................................... 18110.6.1 Declare a New Memory Space ..............................................................18110.6.2 Define Variables Within an External Space ...........................................18210.6.3 Define How to Access Memory Spaces .................................................18210.6.4 An External Example .............................................................................184

10.7 Extended Data Space Access .................................................................. 18510.8 Dataflash Memory Access ........................................................................ 18610.9 Dual Partition Memory Access ................................................................. 18610.10 Packing Data Stored in Flash ................................................................. 186

10.10.1 Packed Example ..................................................................................18610.10.2 Usage Considerations ..........................................................................18710.10.3 Addressing Information ........................................................................187

10.11 Allocation of Variables to Registers ........................................................ 18710.12 Variables in EEPROM Data Space ........................................................ 188

10.12.1 Accessing EEData via User Managed PSV .........................................18810.12.2 Accessing EEData Using TBLRDx Instructions ...................................18910.12.3 Accessing EEData Using Managed Access ........................................19010.12.4 Additional Sources of Information ........................................................190

10.13 Dynamic Memory Allocation ................................................................... 19010.14 Co-resident Applications ........................................................................ 19010.15 Memory Models ...................................................................................... 191

10.15.1 Near or Far Data ..................................................................................19210.15.2 Near or Far Code .................................................................................192

Chapter 11. Operators and Statements11.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 19311.2 Built-In Functions ...................................................................................... 19311.3 Integral Promotion .................................................................................... 193

Chapter 12. Register Usage12.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 19512.2 Register Variables .................................................................................... 19512.3 Changing Register Contents .................................................................... 196

Chapter 13. Functions13.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 197


Table of Contents

13.2 Writing Functions ...................................................................................... 19713.2.1 Function Specifiers ................................................................................ 19713.2.2 Function Attributes ................................................................................ 198

13.3 Function Size Limits ................................................................................. 20613.4 Allocation of Function Code ..................................................................... 20613.5 Changing the Default Function Allocation ................................................ 20613.6 Inline Functions ........................................................................................ 20713.7 Memory Models ........................................................................................ 20813.8 Function Call Conventions ....................................................................... 208

13.8.1 Function Parameters ............................................................................. 21013.8.2 Return Value ......................................................................................... 21113.8.3 Preserving Registers Across Function Calls ......................................... 211

Chapter 14. Interrupts14.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 21314.2 Interrupt Operation ................................................................................... 21314.3 Writing an Interrupt Service Routine ........................................................ 214

14.3.1 Guidelines for Writing ISRs ................................................................... 21414.3.2 Syntax for Writing ISRs ......................................................................... 21514.3.3 Coding ISRs .......................................................................................... 21514.3.4 Using Macros to Declare Simple ISRs .................................................. 216

14.4 Specifying the Interrupt Vector ................................................................. 21614.4.1 Interrupt Vector Usage .......................................................................... 21714.4.2 Interrupt Vector Tables .......................................................................... 217

14.5 Interrupt Service Routine Context Saving ................................................ 21814.5.1 Assembly and ISRs ............................................................................... 21814.5.2 context Attribute .................................................................................... 218

14.6 Nesting Interrupts ..................................................................................... 21814.7 Enabling/Disabling Interrupts ................................................................... 21914.8 ISR Considerations .................................................................................. 220

14.8.1 Sharing Memory with Mainline Code ..................................................... 22014.8.2 PSV Usage with Interrupt Service Routines .......................................... 22414.8.3 Latency .................................................................................................. 224

Chapter 15. Main, Runtime Startup and Reset15.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 22515.2 The main Function .................................................................................... 22515.3 Runtime Startup and Initialization ............................................................. 225

Chapter 16. Mixing C and Assembly Code16.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 22716.2 Mixing Assembly Language and C Variables and Functions ................... 22716.3 Using Inline Assembly Language ............................................................. 22916.4 Predefined Assembly Macros ................................................................... 234

Chapter 17. Library Routines17.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 235

Chapter 18. Optimizations18.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 237



18.2 Optimization Feature Summary ................................................................ 23818.3 How to Enable Optimization ..................................................................... 23818.4 Using Optimizations ................................................................................. 239

18.4.1 Coding for an Optimizing Compiler ........................................................23918.4.2 Help! Optimizing Broke my Code! ..........................................................24018.4.3 Debugging Strategies for Optimized Code ............................................242

Chapter 19. Preprocessing19.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 24519.2 C Language Comments ........................................................................... 24519.3 Preprocessing Directives .......................................................................... 24519.4 Predefined Macro Names ......................................................................... 247

19.4.1 Compiler Version Macro ........................................................................24719.4.2 Compiler Settings Macros ......................................................................24719.4.3 Compiler Output Type Macros ...............................................................24719.4.4 Device Name and Family (Architecture) Macros ...................................24819.4.5 Device Features Macros ........................................................................24819.4.6 Other Macros .........................................................................................249

19.5 Pragmas vs. Attributes ............................................................................. 249Chapter 20. Linking Programs

20.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 25220.2 Default Memory Spaces ........................................................................... 25220.3 Replacing Library Symbols ....................................................................... 25320.4 Linker-Defined Symbols ........................................................................... 25420.5 Default Linker Script ................................................................................. 254

Appendix A. Implementation-Defined BehaviorA.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 256A.2 Translation ................................................................................................. 257A.3 Environment ............................................................................................... 257A.4 Identifiers ................................................................................................... 258A.5 Characters ................................................................................................. 258A.6 Integers ...................................................................................................... 259A.7 Floating Point ............................................................................................. 260A.8 Arrays and Pointers ................................................................................... 260A.9 Registers .................................................................................................... 260A.10 Structures, Unions, Enumerations and Bit-Fields .................................... 261A.11 Qualifiers .................................................................................................. 261A.12 Declarators ............................................................................................... 261A.13 Statements ............................................................................................... 261A.14 Preprocessing Directives ......................................................................... 262A.15 Library Functions ..................................................................................... 263A.16 Signals ..................................................................................................... 264A.17 Streams and Files .................................................................................... 265A.18 tmpfile ...................................................................................................... 265A.19 errno ......................................................................................................... 266A.20 Memory .................................................................................................... 266


Table of Contents

A.21 abort ......................................................................................................... 266A.22 exit ........................................................................................................... 266A.23 getenv ...................................................................................................... 266A.24 system ...................................................................................................... 266A.25 strerror ..................................................................................................... 267

Appendix B. Embedded Compiler Compatibility ModeB.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 268B.2 Compiling in Compatibility Mode ................................................................ 268B.3 Syntax Compatibility .................................................................................. 269B.4 Data Type .................................................................................................. 269B.5 Operator ..................................................................................................... 270B.6 Extended Keywords ................................................................................... 270B.7 Intrinsic Functions ...................................................................................... 271B.8 Pragmas ..................................................................................................... 272

Appendix C. DiagnosticsC.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 274C.2 Errors ......................................................................................................... 274C.3 Warnings .................................................................................................... 293

Appendix D. GNU Free Documentation LicenseD.1 Preamble ................................................................................................... 314D.2 Applicability and Definitions ....................................................................... 314D.3 Verbatim Copying ...................................................................................... 315D.4 Copying in Quantity ................................................................................... 316D.5 Modifications .............................................................................................. 317D.6 Combining Documents .............................................................................. 318D.7 Collections of Documents .......................................................................... 318D.8 Aggregation with Independent Works ........................................................ 319D.9 Translation ................................................................................................. 319D.10 Termination .............................................................................................. 319D.11 Future Revisions of this License .............................................................. 320D.12 Relicensing .............................................................................................. 320

Appendix E. ASCII Character Set ............................................................................ 322Appendix F. Deprecated Features

F.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 324F.2 Predefined Constants ................................................................................. 324F.3 Variables in Specified Registers ................................................................ 325

F.3.1 Defining Global Register Variables ......................................................... 325F.3.2 Specifying Registers for Local Variables ................................................. 326

F.4 Changing Non-Auto Variable Allocation ..................................................... 327F.5 Configuration Settings Using Macros ......................................................... 327

Appendix G. Built-in FunctionsG.1 Built-in Functions vs. Inline Assembly ....................................................... 328G.2 Built-In Function Descriptions .................................................................... 328



Appendix H. Document Revision HistorySupport .......................................................................................................................365Glossary .....................................................................................................................367Index ...........................................................................................................................387Worldwide Sales and Service ...................................................................................399


MPLAB® XC16 C Compiler

User’s Guide

Preface

IntroductionMPLAB XC16 C Compiler documentation and support information is discussed in the sections below:• Document Layout• Conventions Used• Recommended Reading

Document LayoutThis document describes how to use GNU language tools to write code for 16-bit applications. The document layout is as follows:• Chapter 1. “Compiler Overview” – describes the compiler, development tools and

feature set.

• Chapter 2. “Common C Interface” – describes the common C interface that may be used to enhance code portability between MPLAB XC compilers.

• Chapter 3. “How To’s” – a list of “how to” questions with brief explanations and links to relevant sections in the manual.

• Chapter 4. “XC16 Toolchain and MPLAB X IDE” – explains the basics of how to setup and use the compiler and related tools with MPLAB X IDE.

• Chapter 5. “Compiler Command-Line Driver” – describes how to use the compiler from the command line.

• Chapter 6. “Device-Related Features” – describes the compiler header and regis-ter definition files, as well as how to use with SFRs.

• Chapter 7. “Differences Between MPLAB XC16 and ANSI C” – describes the differences between the C language supported by the compiler syntax and the standard ANSI-89 C.

• Chapter 8. “Supported Data Types and Variables” – describes the compiler inte-ger, floating point and pointer data types.

NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS

All documentation becomes dated, and this manual is no exception. Microchip tools and documenta-tion are constantly evolving to meet customer needs, so some actual dialogs and/or tool descriptions may differ from those in this document.For the most up-to-date information on development tools, see the MPLAB® X IDE Help. Select the Help menu and then “Topics” or “Help Contents” to open a list of available Help files.For the most current PDFs, please refer to our web site (https://www.microchip.com). Documents are identified by “DSXXXXXXXXA”, where “XXXXXXXX” is the document number and “A” is the revision level of the document. This number is located on the bottom of each page, in front of the page number.


https://www.microchip.com


• Chapter 9. “Fixed-Point Arithmetic Support” – explains fixed-point arithmetic sup-port in the compiler.

• Chapter 10. “Memory Allocation and Access” – describes the compiler run-time model, including information on sections, initialization, memory models, the software stack and much more.

• Chapter 11. “Operators and Statements” – discusses operators and statements.• Chapter 12. “Register Usage” – explains how to access and use SFRs.• Chapter 13. “Functions” – details available functions.

• Chapter 14. “Interrupts” – describes how to use interrupts.• Chapter 15. “Main, Runtime Startup and Reset” – describes important elements of

C code.• Chapter 16. “Mixing C and Assembly Code” – provides guidelines to using the

compiler with 16-bit assembly language modules.

• Chapter 17. “Library Routines” – explains how to use libraries.• Chapter 18. “Optimizations” – describes optimization options.• Chapter 19. “Preprocessing” – details preprocessing operation.

• Chapter 20. “Linking Programs” – explains how linking works.• Appendix A. “Implementation-Defined Behavior” – details compiler-specific

parameters described as implementation-defined in the ANSI standard.• Appendix B. “Embedded Compiler Compatibility Mode” – details the compiler’s

compatibility mode.

• Appendix C. “Diagnostics” – lists error and warning messages generated by the compiler.

• Appendix D. “GNU Free Documentation License” – usage license for the Free Software Foundation.

• Appendix E. “ASCII Character Set” – a table of the ASCII character set.

• Appendix F. “Deprecated Features” – details features that are considered obsolete.

• Appendix G. “Built-in Functions” – lists the built-in functions of the C compiler.

• Appendix H. “Document Revision History” – provides information on previous and current revisions of this document.


Preface

Conventions UsedThe following conventions may appear in this documentation:

Documentation ConventionsDescription Represents Examples

Arial font:Italic characters Referenced books MPLAB® XC16 C Compiler

User’s GuideEmphasized text ...is the only compiler...

Initial caps A window the Output windowA dialog the Settings dialogA menu selection select Enable Programmer

Quotes A field name in a window or dialog

“Save project before build”

Underlined, italic text with right angle bracket

A menu path File>Save

Bold characters A dialog button Click OKA tab Click the Power tab

Text in angle brackets < > A key on the keyboard Press , Courier font:Plain Courier Sample source code #define START

File names autoexec.batFile paths c:\mcc18\hKeywords _asm, _endasm, staticCommand-line options -Opa+, -Opa-Bit values 0, 1Constants 0xFF, ’A’

Italic Courier A variable argument file.c, where file can be any valid file name

Square brackets [ ] Optional arguments mpasmwin [options] file [options]

Curly brackets and pipe character: { | }

Choice of mutually exclusive arguments; an OR selection

errorlevel {0|1}

Ellipses... Replaces repeated text var_name [, var_name...]

Represents code supplied by user

void main (void){ ...}

Sidebar TextDevice Dependent.This feature is not supported on all devices. Devices sup-ported will be listed in the title or text.

xmemory attribute

DD



Recommended ReadingThis guide describes how to use the MPLAB XC16 C Compiler. Other useful documents are listed below. The following Microchip documents are available and recommended as supplemental reference resources.

Release Notes (Readme Files)For the latest information on Microchip tools, read the associated Release Notes (HTML files) included with the software.

MPLAB® XC16 Assembler, Linker and Utilities User’s Guide (DS50002106)A guide to using the 16-bit assembler, object linker, object archiver/librarian, and vari-ous utilities.

16-Bit Language Tools Libraries Reference Manual (DS50001456)A descriptive listing of libraries available for Microchip 16-bit devices. This includes standard (including math) libraries and C compiler built-in functions. DSP and 16-bit peripheral libraries are described in Release Notes provided with each peripheral library type.

Device-Specific DocumentationThe Microchip website contains many documents that describe 16-bit device functions and features. Among these are:• Individual and family data sheets• Family reference manuals• Programmer’s reference manuals

C Standards InformationAmerican National Standard for Information Systems – Programming Language – C.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 11 West 42nd. Street, New York, New York, 10036.

This standard specifies the form and establishes the interpretation of programs expressed in the programming language C. Its purpose is to promote portability, reli-ability, maintainability and efficient execution of C language programs on a variety of computing systems.

C Reference ManualsHarbison, Samuel P. and Steele, Guy L., C A Reference Manual, Fourth Edition,

Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 07632.Kernighan, Brian W. and Ritchie, Dennis M., The C Programming Language, Second

Edition. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 07632.Kochan, Steven G., Programming In ANSI C, Revised Edition. Hayden Books,

Indianapolis, Indiana 46268.

Plauger, P.J., The Standard C Library, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 07632.Van Sickle, Ted., Programming Microcontrollers in C, First Edition. LLH Technology

Publishing, Eagle Rock, Virginia 24085.



User’s Guide

Chapter 1. Compiler Overview

1.1 IntroductionThe MPLAB XC16 C compiler is defined and described in the following topics:• Device Description• Compiler Description and Documentation• Compiler and Other Development Tools

1.2 Device DescriptionThe MPLAB XC16 C compiler fully supports all Microchip 16-bit devices:• The dsPIC® family of digital signal controllers combines the high performance

required in digital signal processor (DSP) applications with standard microcontrol-ler (MCU) features needed for embedded applications.

• The PIC24 family of MCUs are identical to the dsPIC DSCs with the exception that they do not have the digital signal controller module or that subset of instructions. They are a subset, and are high-performance MCUs intended for applications that do not require the power of the DSC capabilities.

1.3 Compiler Description and DocumentationThe MPLAB XC16 C compiler is a full-featured, optimizing compiler that translates standard ANSI C programs into 16-bit device assembly language source. The compiler also supports many command-line options and language extensions that allow full access to the 16-bit device hardware capabilities and affords fine control of the com-piler code generator.The compiler is a port of the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) compiler from the Free Software Foundation.The compiler is available for several popular operating systems, including 32 and 64-bit Windows® OS, Linux® OS and Mac® OS X®.The compiler can be licensed as Free or PRO. The Free license has the minimum opti-mizations whereas the PRO license has the maximum (for details see Chapter 18. “Optimizations.”).The basic compiler operation, supported devices and available memory are identical across all modes.This key features of the compiler are discussed in the following sections.

1.3.1 ANSI C StandardThe compiler is a fully validated compiler that conforms to the ANSI C standard as defined by the ANSI specification (ANSI x3.159-1989) and described in Kernighan and Ritchie’s The C Programming Language (second edition). The ANSI standard includes extensions to the original C definition that are now standard features of the language. These extensions enhance portability and offer increased capability. In addition, language extensions for dsPIC DSC embedded-control applications are included.



1.3.2 OptimizationThe compiler uses a set of sophisticated optimization passes that employ many advanced techniques for generating efficient, compact code from C source. The optimization passes include high-level optimizations that are applicable to any C code, as well as 16-bit device-specific optimizations that take advantage of the particular features of the device architecture.For more on optimizations, see Chapter 18. “Optimizations.”

1.3.3 ANSI Standard Library SupportThe compiler is distributed with a complete ANSI C standard library. All library functions have been validated, and conform to the ANSI C library standard. The library includes functions for string manipulation, dynamic memory allocation, data conversion, time-keeping and math functions (trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic). The standard I/O functions for file handling are also included, and as distributed, they support full access to the host file system using the command-line simulator. The fully functional source code for the low-level file I/O functions is provided in the compiler distribution and may be used as a starting point for applications that require this capability.

1.3.4 Flexible Memory ModelsThe compiler supports both large and small code and data models. The small code model takes advantage of more efficient forms of call and branch instructions, while the small data model supports the use of compact instructions for accessing data in SFR space.The compiler supports two models for accessing constant data. The “constants in data” model uses data memory, which is initialized by the run-time library. The “constants in code” model uses program memory, which is accessed through the Program Space Visibility (PSV) window.

1.3.5 Attributes and QualifiersThe compiler keyword __attribute__ allows you to specify special attributes of variables, structure fields or functions. This keyword is followed by an attribute specification inside double parentheses, as in:int last_mode __attribute__ ((persistent));In other compilers, qualifiers are used to create qualified types:persistent int last_mode;The MPLAB XC16 C Compiler does have some non-standard qualifiers described in Section 8.10 “Compiler-Specific type Qualifiers.”Generally speaking, qualifiers indicate how an object should be accessed, whereas attributes indicate where objects are to be located. Attributes also have many other purposes.

1.3.6 Compiler DriverThe compiler includes a powerful command-line driver program. Using the driver program, application programs can be compiled, assembled and linked in a single step.

1.3.7 DocumentationThe compiler is supported under both the MPLAB® X IDE and MPLAB IDE v8.xx and above. In this document, only the MPLAB X IDE is discussed.Features that are unique to specific devices and therefore specific compilers, are noted with a “DD” icon next to the section and text that identifies the specific devices to which the information applies (see the Preface).


Compiler Overview

1.4 Compiler and Other Development ToolsThe compiler works with many other Microchip tools including:• MPLAB XC16 Assembler and Linker - see the MPLAB® XC16 Assembler, Linker

and Utilities User’s Guide (DS50002106)• MPLAB X IDE• MPLAB X Simulator• Command-line MDB Simulator - see the Microchip Debugger (MDB) User’s Guide

(DS52102) located in:docs

• All Microchip debug tools and programmers• Demonstration boards and Starter kits that support 16-bit devices



NOTES:



Chapter 2. Common C Interface

2.1 IntroductionThe Common C Interface (CCI) is available with all MPLAB® XC C compilers and is designed to enhance code portability between these compilers. For example, CCI-conforming code would make it easier to port from a PIC18 MCU using the MPLAB XC8 C compiler to a PIC24 MCU using the MPLAB XC16 C compiler.The CCI assumes that your source code already conforms to the ANSI Standard. If you intend to use the CCI, it is your responsibility to write code that conforms. Legacy proj-ects will need to be migrated to achieve conformance. A compiler option must also be set to ensure that the operation of the compiler is consistent with the interface when the project is built.The following topics are covered in this chapter:• Background – The Desire for Portable Code• Using the CCI• ANSI Standard Refinement• ANSI Standard Extensions• Compiler Features

2.2 Background – The Desire for Portable CodeAll programmers want to write portable source code.Portability means that the same source code can be compiled and run in a different execution environment than that for which it was written. Rarely can code be one hun-dred percent portable, but the more tolerant it is to change, the less time and effort it takes to have it running in a new environment.Embedded engineers typically think of code portability as being across target devices, but this is only part of the situation. The same code could be compiled for the same target but with a different compiler. Differences between those compilers might lead to the code failing at compile time or runtime, so this must be considered as well.You can only write code for one target device and only use one brand of compiler, but if there is no regulation of the compiler’s operation, simply updating your compiler version can change your code’s behavior.Code must be portable across targets, tools, and time to be truly flexible.Clearly, this portability cannot be achieved by the programmer alone, since the com-piler vendors can base their products on different technologies, implement different fea-tures and code syntax, or improve the way their product works. Many a great compiler optimization has broken many an unsuspecting project.Standards for the C language have been developed to ensure that change is managed and code is more portable. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) pub-lishes standards for many disciplines, including programming languages. The ANSI C Standard is a universally adopted standard for the C programming language.



2.2.1 The ANSI StandardThe ANSI C Standard has to reconcile two opposing goals: freedom for compiler ven-dors to target new devices and improve code generation, with the known functional operation of source code for programmers. If both goals can be met, source code can be made portable.The standard is implemented as a set of rules which detail not only the syntax that a conforming C program must follow, but also the semantic rules by which that program will be interpreted. Thus, for a compiler to conform to the standard, it must ensure that a conforming C program functions as described by the standard.The standard describes implementation, the set of tools, and the runtime environment on which the code will run. If any of these change, e.g., you build for, and run on, a dif-ferent target device, or if you update the version of the compiler you use to build, then you are using a different implementation.The standard uses the term behavior to mean the external appearance or action of the program. It has nothing to do with how a program is encoded.Since the standard is trying to achieve goals that could be construed as conflicting, some specifications appear somewhat vague. For example, the standard states that an int type must be able to hold at least a 16-bit value, but it does not go as far as saying what the size of an int actually is; and the action of right-shifting a signed integer can produce different results on different implementations; yet, these different results are still ANSI C compliant.If the standard is too strict, device architectures cannot allow the compiler to conform.1 But, if it is too weak, programmers would see wildly differing results within different compilers and architectures, and the standard would lose its effectiveness.The standard organizes source code whose behavior is not fully defined into groups that include the following behaviors:

Code that strictly conforms to the standard does not produce output that is dependent on any unspecified, undefined, or implementation-defined behavior. The size of an int, which was used as an example earlier, falls into the category of behavior that is defined by implementation. That is to say, the size of an int is defined by which com-piler is being used, how that compiler is being used, and the device that is being targeted.All the MPLAB XC compilers conform to the ANSI X3.159-1989 Standard for program-ming languages (with the exception of the MPLAB XC8 compiler’s inability to allow recursion, as mentioned in the footnote). This is commonly called the C89 Standard. Some features from the later standard, C99, are also supported.

1. For example, the mid-range PIC® microcontrollers do not have a data stack. Because a com-piler targeting this device cannot implement recursion, it (strictly speaking) cannot conform to the ANSI C Standard. This example illustrates a situation in which the standard is too strict for mid-range devices and tools.

Implementation-defined behavior

This is unspecified behavior in which each implementation documents how the choice is made.

Unspecified behavior The standard provides two or more possibilities and imposes no further requirements on which possibility is chosen in any particular instance.

Undefined behavior This is behavior for which the standard imposes no requirements.


Common C Interface

For freestanding implementations (or for what we typically call embedded applications), the standard allows non-standard extensions to the language, but obviously does not enforce how they are specified or how they work. When working so closely to the device hardware, a programmer needs a means of specifying device setup and inter-rupts, as well as utilizing the often complex world of small-device memory architectures. This cannot be offered by the standard in a consistent way.While the ANSI C Standard provides a mutual understanding for programmers and compiler vendors, programmers need to consider the implementation-defined behavior of their tools and the probability that they may need to use extensions to the C language that are non-standard. Both of these circumstances can have an impact on code portability.

2.2.2 The Common C InterfaceThe Common C Interface (CCI) supplements the ANSI C Standard and makes it easier for programmers to achieve consistent outcomes on all Microchip devices when using any of the MPLAB XC C compilers.It delivers the following improvements, all designed with portability in mind.

2.3 Using the CCIThe CCI allows enhanced portability by refining implementation-defined behavior and standardizing the syntax for extensions to the language.The CCI is something you choose to follow and put into effect, thus it is relevant for new projects, although you can choose to modify existing projects so they conform.For your project to conform to the CCI, you must complete the following tasks.• Enable the CCI

Select the MPLAB X IDE widget Use CCI Syntax in your project, or use the command-line option that is equivalent.

• Include in every module Some CCI features are only enabled if this header is seen by the compiler.

• Ensure ANSI compliance Code that does not conform to the ANSI C Standard does not confirm to the CCI.

• Observe refinements to ANSI by the CCI

Refinement of the ANSI C Standard

The CCI documents specific behavior for some code in which actions are implementation-defined behavior under the ANSI C Standard. For example, the result of right-shifting a signed integer is fully defined by the CCI. Note that many implementation-defined items that closely couple with device characteristics, such as the size of an int, are not defined by the CCI.

Consistent syntax for non-standard extensions

The CCI non-standard extensions are mostly implemented using keywords with a uniform syntax. They replace keywords, macros and attributes that are the native compiler implementa-tion. The interpretation of the keyword can differ across each compiler, and any arguments to the keywords can be device specific.

Coding guidelines The CCI can indicate advice on how code should be written so that it can be ported to other devices or compilers. While you may choose not to follow the advice, it will not conform to the CCI.



Some ANSI implementation-defined behavior is defined explicitly by the CCI.• Use the CCI extensions to the language

Use the CCI extensions rather than the native language extensions.The next sections detail specific items associated with the CCI. These items are seg-regated into those that refine the standard, those that deal with the ANSI C Standard extensions, and other miscellaneous compiler options and usage. Guidelines are indicated with these items.If any implementation-defined behavior or any non-standard extension is not discussed in this document, then it is not part of the CCI. For example, GCC case ranges, label addresses, and 24-bit short long types are not part of the CCI. Programs which use these features do not conform to the CCI. The compiler may issue a warning or error to indicate a non-CCI feature has been used and the CCI is enabled.

2.4 ANSI Standard RefinementThe following topics describe how the CCI refines the implementation-defined behaviors outlined in the ANSI C Standard.

2.4.1 Source File EncodingUnder the CCI, a source file must be written using characters from the 7-bit ASCII set. Lines can be terminated using a line feed ('\n') or carriage return ('\r') that is immediately followed by a line feed. Escaped characters can be used in character constants or string literals to represent extended characters that are not in the basic character set.

2.4.1.1 Example

The following shows a string constant being defined that uses escaped characters.const char myName[] = "Bj\370rk\n";

2.4.1.2 Differences

All compilers have used this character set.

2.4.1.3 Migration to the CCI

No action required.

2.4.2 The Prototype for mainThe prototype for the main() function is:int main(void);

2.4.2.1 Example

The following shows an example of how main() might be defined:int main(void){

while(1)process();

}

2.4.2.2 Differences

The 8-bit compilers used a void return type for this function.2.4.2.3 Migration to the CCI

Each program has one definition for the main() function. Confirm the return type for main() in all projects previously compiled for 8-bit targets.


Common C Interface

2.4.3 Header File SpecificationHeader file specifications that use directory separators do not conform to the CCI.

2.4.3.1 Example

The following example shows two conforming include directives.#include #include "global.h"

2.4.3.2 Differences

Header file specifications that use directory separators have been allowed in previous versions of all compilers. Compatibility problems arose when Windows-style separa-tors “\” were used and the code was compiled under other host operating systems. Under the CCI, no directory separators should be used.


Any #include directives that use directory separators in the header file specifications should be changed. Remove all but the header file name in the directive. Add the direc-tory path to the compiler’s include search path or MPLAB X IDE equivalent. This will force the compiler to search the directories specified with this option.For example, the following code:#include should be changed to:#include and the path to the inc directory added to the compiler’s header search path in your MPLAB X IDE project properties, or on the command-line as follows:-Ilcd

2.4.4 Include Search PathsWhen you include a header file under the CCI, the file should be discoverable in the paths searched by the compiler that are detailed below.Header files specified in angle bracket delimiters < > should be discoverable in the search paths that are specified by -I options (or the equivalent MPLAB X IDE option), or in the standard compiler include directories. The -I options are searched in the order in which they are specified.Header files specified in quote characters " " should be discoverable in the current working directory or in the same directories that are searched when the header files are specified in angle bracket delimiters (as above). In the case of an MPLAB X project, the current working directory is the directory in which the C source file is located. If unsuc-cessful, the search paths should point to the same directories searched when the header file is specified in angle bracket delimiters.Any other options to specify search paths for header files do not conform to the CCI.

2.4.4.1 Example

If including a header file, as in the following directive:#include "myGlobals.h"The header file should be locatable in the current working directory, or the paths spec-ified by any -I options, or the standard compiler directories. A header file being located elsewhere does not conform to the CCI.



2.4.4.2 Differences

The compiler operation under the CCI is not changed. This is purely a coding guideline.


Remove any option that specifies header file search paths other than the -I option (or the equivalent MPLAB X IDE option), and use the -I option in place of this. Ensure the header file can be found in the directories specified in this section.

2.4.5 The Number of Significant Initial Characters in an IdentifierAt least the first 255 characters in an identifier (internal and external) are significant. This includes the requirement of the ANSI C Standard that states a lower number of significant characters are used to identify an object.

2.4.5.1 Example

The following example shows two poorly named variables, but names which are considered unique under the CCI.int stateOfPortBWhenTheOperatorHasSelectedAutomaticModeAndMotorIsRunningFast;int stateOfPortBWhenTheOperatorHasSelectedAutomaticModeAndMotorIsRunningSlow;

2.4.5.2 Differences

Former 8-bit compilers used 31 significant characters by default, but an option allowed this to be extended.The 16- and 32-bit compilers did not impose a limit on the number of significant characters.


No action required. You can take advantage of the less restrictive naming scheme.

2.4.6 Sizes of TypesThe sizes of the basic C types, e.g., char, int and long, are not fully defined by the CCI. These types, by design, reflect the size of registers and other architectural fea-tures in the target device. They allow the device to efficiently access objects of this type. The ANSI C Standard does, however, indicate minimum requirements for these types, as specified in .If you need fixed-size types in your project, use the types defined in , e.g., uint8_t or int16_t. These types are consistently defined across all XC compilers, even outside of the CCI.Essentially, the C language offers a choice of two groups of types: • Those that offer sizes and formats that are tailored to the device you are using.• Those that have a fixed size, regardless of the target.

2.4.6.1 Example

The following example shows the definition of a variable, native, whose size will allow efficient access on the target device; and a variable, fixed, whose size is clearly indi-cated and remains fixed, even though it may not allow efficient access on every device.int native;int16_t fixed;

2.4.6.2 Differences

This is consistent with previous types implemented by the compiler.


Common C Interface


If you require a C type that has a fixed size, regardless of the target device, use one of the types defined by .

2.4.7 Plain char TypesThe type of a plain char is unsigned char. It is generally recommended that all definitions for the char type explicitly state the signedness of the object.2.4.7.1 Example

The following examplechar foobar;defines an unsigned char object called foobar.2.4.7.2 Differences

The 8-bit compilers have always treated plain char as an unsigned type.The 16- and 32-bit compilers used signed char as the default plain char type. The -funsigned-char option on those compilers changed the default type to be unsigned char.2.4.7.3 Migration to the CCI

Any definition of an object defined as a plain char and using the 16- or 32-bit compilers needs review. Any plain char that was intended to be a signed quantity should be replaced with an explicit definition, for example.signed char foobar;You can use the -funsigned-char option on MPLAB XC16 and XC32 to change the type of plain char, but since this option is not supported on MPLAB XC8, the code is not strictly conforming.

2.4.8 Signed Integer RepresentationThe value of a signed integer is determined by taking the two’s complement of the integer.

2.4.8.1 Example

The following shows a variable, test, that is assigned the value -28 decimal.signed char test = 0xE4;

2.4.8.2 Differences

All compilers have represented signed integers in the way described in this section.


No action required.

2.4.9 Integer ConversionWhen converting an integer type to a signed integer of insufficient size, the original value is truncated from the most-significant bit to accommodate the target size.



2.4.9.1 Example

The following shows an assignment of a value that is truncated.signed char destination;unsigned int source = 0x12FE;destination = source;Under the CCI, the value of destination after the alignment is -2 (i.e., the bit pattern 0xFE).

2.4.9.2 Differences

All compilers have performed integer conversion in an identical fashion to that described in this section.


No action required.

2.4.10 Bitwise Operations on Signed ValuesBitwise operations on signed values act on the two’s complement representation, including the sign bit. See also Section 2.4.11 “Right-shifting Signed Values.”

2.4.10.1 Example

The following example shows a negative quantity involved in a bitwise AND operation.signed char output, input = -13;output = input & 0x7E;Under the CCI, the value of output after the assignment is 0x72.2.4.10.2 Differences

All compilers have performed bitwise operations in an identical fashion to that described in this section.


No action required.

2.4.11 Right-shifting Signed ValuesRight-shifting a signed value will involve sign extension. This will preserve the sign of the original value.

2.4.11.1 Example

The following shows an example of a negative quantity involved in a right-shift operation.signed char output, input = -13;output = input >> 3;Under the CCI, the value of output after the assignment is -2 (i.e., the bit pattern 0xFE).

2.4.11.2 Differences

All compilers have performed right-shifting as described in this section.


No action required.


Common C Interface

2.4.12 Conversion of Union Member Accessed Using Member With Different Type

If a union defines several members of different types and you use one member identi-fier to try to access the contents of another (whether any conversion is applied to the result) it is considered implementation-defined behavior in the standard. In the CCI, no conversion is applied and the bytes of the union object are interpreted as an object of the type of the member being accessed, without regard for alignment or other possible invalid conditions.

2.4.12.1 Example

The following example shows a union defining several members.union {

signed char code;unsigned int data;float offset;

} foobar;Code that attempts to extract offset by reading data is not guaranteed to read the correct value.float result;result = foobbar.data;


All compilers have not converted union members accessed via other members.


No action required.

2.4.13 Default Bit-field int TypeThe type of a bit-field specified as a plain int is identical to that of one defined using unsigned int. This is quite different from other objects where the types int, signed and signed int are synonymous. It is recommended that the signedness of the bit-field be explicitly stated in all bit-field definitions.

2.4.13.1 Example

The following example shows a structure tag containing bit-fields that are unsigned integers with the size specified.struct OUTPUTS {

int direction :1;int parity :3;int value :4;

};


The 8-bit compilers have previously issued a warning if type int was used for bit-fields, but would implement the bit-field with an unsigned int type.The 16- and 32-bit compilers have implemented bit-fields defined using int as having a signed int type, unless the option -funsigned-bitfields was specified.




Any code that defines a bit-field with the plain int type should be reviewed. If the inten-tion was for these to be signed quantities, then the type of these should be changed to signed int. For example, in the following example:struct WAYPT {

int log :3;int direction :4;

};the bit-field type should be changed to signed int, as in:struct WAYPT {

signed int log :3;signed int direction :4;

};

2.4.14 Bit-fields Straddling a Storage Unit BoundaryThe standard indicates that implementations can determine whether bit-fields cross a storage unit boundary. In the CCI, bit-fields do not straddle a storage unit boundary; a new storage unit is allocated to the structure, and padding bits fill the gap.Note that the size of a storage unit differs with each compiler, as this is based on the size of the base data type (e.g., int) from which the bit-field type is derived. On 8-bit compilers this unit is 8-bits in size; for 16-bit compilers, it is 16 bits; and for 32-bit compilers, it is 32 bits in size.

2.4.14.1 Example

The following example shows a structure containing bit-fields being defined.struct { unsigned first : 6; unsigned second :6;} order;Under the CCI and using MPLAB XC8, the storage allocation unit is byte sized. The bit-field, second, is allocated a new storage unit since there are only 2 bits remaining in the first storage unit in which first is allocated. The size of this structure, order, is 2 bytes.


This allocation is identical with that used by all previous compilers.


No action required.

2.4.15 The Allocation Order of Bit-fieldsThe memory ordering of bit-fields into their storage unit is not specified by the ANSI C Standard. In the CCI, the first bit defined is the least significant bit of the storage unit in which it is allocated.


Common C Interface

2.4.15.1 Example

The following example shows a structure containing bit-fields being defined.struct { unsigned lo : 1; unsigned mid :6; unsigned hi : 1;} foo;The bit-field lo is assigned the least significant bit of the storage unit assigned to the structure foo. The bit-field mid is assigned the next 6 least significant bits; and hi, the most significant bit of that same storage unit byte.


This is identical with the previous operation of all compilers.


No action required.

2.4.16 The NULL MacroThe NULL macro is defined by ; how

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