ACD GRUPPE M215SE Programming Instructions Manual page 5

Despite its similar name, Windows Embedded Compact (Windows CE) has
technically nothing in common with the desktop operating system offspring Windows
Embedded Standard/Enterprise. With the exception of certain basic .NET programs,
native desktop programs cannot run on Windows CE.
From a programmer's perspective, although Win32 APIs are extremely similar in
Note
their configuration, minor differences can significantly increase the time required for
a potential conversion to Windows CE.
Windows CE is a configurable set of OS components that are compiled and compressed into a monolithic
kernel. The OS components was configured when Windows CE was installed and changes can usually only
be done by configuring the included separate software packs.
On ACD devices, this scheme is not as strikt. The subsequent installation of user software and device
drivers is allowed in this case. This significantly increases the flexibility of an individual, well-tested basic
configuration.
Alongside the basic kernel, an ACD Windows CE device includes other components that are also relevant
for software development (see diagram below). The kernel also includes system programs and certain
drivers stored on a flash file system (\flashdisk\system folder and \flashdisk\drivers folder).
Some of the devices also feature a microcontroller module (keyboard controller) and programmable logic
gate (PLD). These devices have been programmed by ACD accordingly and can be automatically updated
on request with a system update.
ACD Windows CE devices feature a processor module and the connected peripherals. The processor
module is configured with a processor with ARM technology. On second edition devices, this is
a Marvell/Intel processor of type PXA166 (XScale).
Peripherals also include RAM and non-volatile flash memory.
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