Using Rust for Embedded Systems

Rust is becoming increasingly popular for embedded systems development due to its focus on safety and performance. In this post, we'll explore the benefits and challenges of using Rust in embedded systems and provide examples of how to get started.

Why Rust for Embedded Systems?

• Rust's ownership system and borrow checker ensure memory safety at compile-time, preventing common errors like null pointer dereferences and data corruption.
• Rust's performance is on par with C and C++, making it suitable for demanding embedded applications.
• Rust's growing ecosystem and community provide a wealth of resources and libraries for embedded development.

Getting Started with Rust Embedded

To start using Rust for embedded systems, you'll need to install the Rust toolchain and a few additional tools. Here's an example of how to blink an LED using Rust on an embedded device:

use cortex_m::peripheral::Peripherals;
use cortex_m::peripheral::CorePeripherals;

fn main() -> ! {
 let mut peripherals = Peripherals::take().unwrap();
 let core = CorePeripherals::take().unwrap();

 // Configure the LED pin as an output
 let mut led = peripherals.GPIOB.split().pb5.into_push_pull_output(&mut peripherals.GPIOB.moder, &mut peripherals.GPIOB.otyper);

 loop {
 // Toggle the LED state
 led.set_high();
 cortex_m::delay(core.SYST, 1000000);
 led.set_low();
 cortex_m::delay(core.SYST, 1000000);
 }
}
 

Simulating Embedded Systems

Using the above code, you can simulate the blinking LED on your browser.