Echelon Mini EVK - Manual (Page 41)

What Is Neuron C?
Neuron C Version 2.1 is a programming language based on ANSI C that you
can use to develop applications for Neuron Chips and Smart Transceivers. It
includes network communication, I/O, and event-handling extensions to
ANSI C, which make it a powerful tool for the development of L ON W ORKS
applications. Following are a few of the extensions to the ANSI Standard C
language:
• A new network communication model, based on functional blocks and
network variables, simplifies and promotes data sharing between like or
disparate devices.
• A new network configuration model, based on functional blocks and
configuration properties, facilitates interoperable network configuration
tools.
• A new type model based on standard and user resource files expands the
market for interoperable devices by simplifying integration of devices
from multiple manufacturers.
• An extensive built-in set of I/O objects supports the powerful I/O
capabilities of Neuron Chips and Smart Transceivers. Powerful event-
driven programming extensions, based on new when statements, provide
easy handling of network, I/O, and timer events.
Neuron C provides a rich set of language extensions to ANSI C tailored to the
unique requirements of distributed control applications. Experienced C
programmers will find Neuron C a natural extension to the familiar ANSI C
paradigm. Neuron C offers built-in type checking and allows the programmer
to generate highly efficient code for distributed L ON W ORKS applications.
Neuron C omits ANSI C features not required by the standard for free-
standing implementations. For example, certain standard C libraries are not
part of Neuron C. Other differences between Neuron C and ANSI C are
detailed in the Neuron C Programmer’s Guide.
This chapter provides an introduction to Neuron C. For more details on
Neuron C, see the Neuron C Programmer’s Guide.
Unique Aspects of Neuron C
Neuron C implements all the basic ANSI C types, and type conversions as
necessary. In addition to the ANSI C data constructs, Neuron C provides
some unique data elements. Network variables are fundamental to Neuron C
and L
ON W ORKS applications. Network variables are data constructs that
have language and system firmware support to provide the look and feel of a
C program, but with additional properties of communicating across a
L ON W ORKS network to or from one or more other devices on that network.
The network variables make up part of the device interface for a L ON W ORKS
device.
Configuration properties are Neuron C data constructs that are another part of
the device interface. Configuration properties allow the device’s behavior to
be customized using a network tool such as the LonMaker Integration Tool or
a customized plug-in created for the device. Configuration properties provide
Mini EVK User’s Guide 35