This file contains an overview of the PCE runtime system as it comes with the cc65 C compiler. It describes the memory layout, PCE specific header files, available drivers, and any pitfalls specific to that platform.
Please note that PCE specific functions are just mentioned here, they are described in detail in the separate function reference. Even functions marked as "platform dependent" may be available on more than one platform. Please see the function reference for more information.
The standard binary output format generated by the linker for the PCE target is a cartridge image with no header. It is of course possible to change this behaviour by using a modified startup file and linker config.
cc65 generated programs with the default setup run with the I/O area and a CHR bank enabled, which gives a usable memory range of $8000 - $FFF3. All boot ROM entry points may be called directly without additional code.
Special locations:
The text screen is located at VRAM $0000, the Font is located at VRAM $2000.
The C runtime stack is located in system RAM at $3FFF and growing downwards.
The BSS (uninitialized variables) and Data (initialized variables) sections are placed one after the other into system RAM at $2000.
The C heap is located after the end of the Data section and grows towards the C runtime stack.
The startup code is located at $E000 in the System/Hardware bank. Further code can be placed in other ROM banks, this must be done manually however.
Programs containing PCE specific code may use the pce.h
header file.
The following pseudo variables declared in the pce.inc
include file do
allow access to hardware located in the address space.
PSG
The PSG
defines allow access to the PSG chip (Programmable Sound Generator).
VCE
The VCE
defines allow access to the VCE chip (Video Color Encoder).
VDC
The VDC
defines allow access to the VDC chip (Video Display Controller).
All drivers must be statically linked because no file I/O is available. The names in the parentheses denote the symbols to be used for static linking of the drivers.
No TGI graphics drivers are currently available for the PCE.
No extended memory drivers are currently available for the PCE.
pce-stdjoy.joy (pce_stdjoy)
A joystick driver for the standard two buttons joypad is available.
Note that the japanese 6-button pad is currently not supported.
No mouse drivers are currently available for the PCE.
No serial drivers are currently available for the PCE.
The existing library for the PCE doesn't implement C file
I/O. There are no hacks for the read()
and write()
routines.
To be more concrete, this limitation means that you cannot use any of the following functions (and a few others):
some useful resources on PCE coding:
This software is provided 'as-is', without any expressed or implied warranty. In no event will the authors be held liable for any damages arising from the use of this software.
Permission is granted to anyone to use this software for any purpose, including commercial applications, and to alter it and redistribute it freely, subject to the following restrictions: