Flits: pervasive computing for processor and memory constrained systems

Many pervasive computing software technologies are targeted for 32-bit desktop platforms. However, there are innumerable 8-, 16- and 32-bit microcontroller- and microprocessor-based embedded systems that do not support the resource requirements of these technologies. We describe ongoing research that explores the feasibility of creating a portable runtime environment that is capable of executing across a wide variety of 8-, 16- and 32-bit processors and that offers mobile code and high-level language support. Our solution adapts a version of the language Forth called FCode and its environment to fit these needs. We introduce the concept of a “flit”-a software construct similar to an applet but tailored to the needs of lower resource solutions for pervasive computing. We also describe work currently in progress