Rockwell Automation 6182 Industrial Computer for the Windows CE Operating System - Manual (Page 61)

Windows CE Operating System
This chapter provides information on:
• Windows CE architecture
• Windows CE programs
• Using Windows CE
• Control Panel applications
• RAC6182 Computer memory usage
The Windows CE operating system from Microsoft is designed to
provide a portable, scalable, real-time operating system for embedded
devices. The modular design of Windows CE allows the application
designer to include only those features required for the specific product
application. However, Windows CE is still a subset of the other
Microsoft operating systems, and it runs Win32 applications.
Windows CE Benefits
There are two major differences between Windows CE and other
Microsoft Windows operating systems. Windows CE:
• Has a small memory footprint requirement
• Runs on a wide variety of processor architectures.
The small memory footprint allows Windows CE to operate in small
solid-state memory devices (8 MB typical). In contrast, PC-based
Windows require hundreds of megabytes of storage space.
PC-based Windows applications operate only on Intel x86 compatible
architectures. Embedded devices using Windows CE can use low-cost
and low-power processors with optimal features and functionality for the
specific application.
Compiling Windows CE Applications
While the Windows CE operating system brings a higher level of
standardization to embedded computing devices, third-party software
applications must still be compiled and tested to run on each Windows
CE device. The compilation is required to tailor the software application
to the device’s processor and unique hardware features.
Chapter
7
Chapter Objectives
Windows CE Architecture