Lpc2000

At 05:22 PM 12/20/04 +0200, you wrote:

>Thanks for the answer. Actually I'm not intentionally setting a reserved bit
>to one. I just want to use bitfields in C. I cant now as the generated code
>only deals with the bits accessed (naturally). So I have to use
>read-modify-mask off reserved-write type of instructions. This way I cant
>take advantage of bitfields which makes life a bit easier. More code is
>another disadvantage.
>If we new that this limitation is due to future compatibility concerns, then
>it would be nice to use bitfields.

Bitfields are one of those items that look like a nice way to interface to 
the HW but usually end up being more trouble than use.  I've succumbed to 
the temptation before and usually regretted it.

The only upside to them is that they look neat (in the original sense of 
the word).  They don't result in better machine code.  Macros look almost 
as nice and are easier to maintain.

Robert

" 'Freedom' has no meaning of itself.  There are always restrictions,
be they legal, genetic, or physical.  If you don't believe me, try to
chew a radio signal. "

                         Kelvin Throop, III