PICASO Datasheet, PDF (12/24 Pages) List of Unclassifed Manufacturers – Embedded Graphics Processor

4D SYSTEMS
6. 4DGL - Software Language
The PICASO processor belongs to a family of
processors powered by a highly optimised soft
core virtual engine, EVE (Extensible Virtual Engine).
EVE is a proprietary, high performance virtual-
machine with an extensive byte-code instruction
set optimised to execute compiled 4DGL
programs. 4DGL (4D Graphics Language) was
specifically developed from ground up for the EVE
engine core. It is a high level language which is
easy to learn and simple to understand yet
powerful enough to tackle many embedded
graphics applications.
4DGL is a graphics oriented language allowing
rapid application development, and the syntax
structure was designed using elements of popular
languages such as C, Basic, Pascal and others.
Programmers familiar with these languages will
feel right at home with 4DGL. It includes many
familiar instructions such as IF..ELSE..ENDIF,
WHILE..WEND, REPEAT..UNTIL, GOSUB..ENDSUB,
GOTO, PRINT as well as some specialised
instructions SERIN, SEROUT, GFX_LINE,
GFX_CIRCLE and many more.
For detailed information pertaining to the 4DGL
language, please refer to the following documents:
“4DGL-Programmers-Reference-Manual.pdf”
“PICASO-4DGL-Internal-Functions.pdf”
To assist with the development of 4DGL
applications, the Workshop 4 IDE combines a full-
featured editor, a compiler, a linker and a
downloader into a single PC-based application. It's
all you need to code, test and run your
applications.
PICASO Processor
7. In Circuit Serial Programming ICSP
The PICASO processor is a custom graphics
processor. All functionality including the high level
commands are built into the chip. This chip level
configuration is available as a Firmware/PmmC
(Personality-module-micro-Code) file.
A PmmC file contains all of the low level micro-
code information (analogy of that of a soft silicon)
which define the characteristics and functionality
of the device. The ability of programming the
device with a PmmC file provides an extremely
flexible method of customising as well as
upgrading it with future enhancements.
A PmmC file can only be programmed into the
device via its COM0 serial port and an access to
this must be provided for on the target application
board. This is referred to as In Circuit Serial
Programming (ICSP). Figure below provides a
typical implementation for the ICSP interface.
The PmmC file is programmed into the device with
the aid of Workshop 4, the 4D Systems IDE
software (See Section 12). To provide a link
between the PC and the ICSP interface, a specific
4D Programming Cable is required and is available
from 4D Systems.
Using a non-4D programming interface could
damage your processor, and void your Warranty.
Note: The PICASO processor is shipped blank and
it must be programmed with the PmmC
configuration file.
© 2012 4D SYSTEMS
Page 12 of 23
www.4dsystems.com.au