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Optimizing Memory Usage in C Structures

The document discusses techniques for optimizing memory usage in C structures for embedded systems, emphasizing the importance of efficient memory management due to limited resources. It covers strategies such as minimizing padding, using bit-fields, unions, and smaller data types, as well as dynamic memory allocation and storing read-only data in Flash/ROM. By implementing these practices, developers can reduce memory footprint and enhance the performance and reliability of embedded applications.

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Gusti Made Arya Wijaya
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© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
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10 views

Optimizing Memory Usage in C Structures

The document discusses techniques for optimizing memory usage in C structures for embedded systems, emphasizing the importance of efficient memory management due to limited resources. It covers strategies such as minimizing padding, using bit-fields, unions, and smaller data types, as well as dynamic memory allocation and storing read-only data in Flash/ROM. By implementing these practices, developers can reduce memory footprint and enhance the performance and reliability of embedded applications.

Uploaded by

Gusti Made Arya Wijaya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Optimizing

Memory Usage
in C Structures
for Embedded
Systems
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Minimize Padding Using Proper Member
Ordering
3. Use #pragma pack or
__attribute__((packed)) to Remove Padding
4. Use bit-fields for Compact Representation
of Small Values
5. Use Smaller Data Types When Possible
6. Avoid Unnecessary Pointers
7. Use Unions to Share Memory Space
8. Avoid Wasting Space with Boolean Types
9. Use Dynamic Memory Allocation
10.Use const to Store Read-Only Data in
Flash/ROM Instead of RAM
8. Avoid Wasting Space with Boolean Types
Table
9. Use Dynamic of Contents
Memory Allocation
10.Use const to Store Read-Only Data in
Flash/ROM Instead of RAM
11.Best Practices Summary
12.Example of an Optimized Structure
13.Conclusion
1. Introduction
1. Introduction
Memory is one of the most valuable
resources in embedded systems, where RAM
and storage are often limited due to hardware
constraints. Efficient memory management
can significantly improve the performance and
reliability of embedded applications.
One of the most effective ways to conserve
memory is by optimizing the way C
structures are defined and used.

C structures are fundamental building


blocks in embedded programming, but
poor design can lead to excessive
padding, misalignment, and wasted
memory. By strategically organizing structure
structures are1.defined and used.
Introduction
C structures are fundamental building
blocks in embedded programming, but
poor design can lead to excessive
padding, misalignment, and wasted
memory. By strategically organizing structure
members, using bit-fields, unions, and proper
alignment techniques, you can minimize
memory footprint without sacrificing
performance. In this article, we’ll explore
practical techniques for optimizing C
structures in embedded systems, along with
clear examples and explanations to help you
apply them effectively.
2. Minimize
Padding Using
Proper Member
Ordering
2. Minimize Padding Using
Proper Member Ordering

Problem:
The C compiler often inserts padding to align
members for better memory access, which
wastes space.

Solution:
• Group members of similar size together to
reduce padding.
• Place smaller members together or after
larger members.

Example:
Instead of this:
• Place smaller members together or after
2. Minimize Padding Using
largerProper
members.
Member Ordering

Example:
Instead of this:

Rearrange it like this:

Why?
• The first example has padding added after
2. Minimize Padding Using
Proper Member Ordering

Why?
• The first example has padding added after
a and c to align int properly.
• The second example reduces padding by
grouping smaller fields together, saving
memory.
3. Use #pragma
pack or
__attribute__((pac
ked)) to Remove
Padding
3. Use #pragma pack or
__attribute__((packed)) to
Remove Padding

You can tell the compiler to avoid padding


altogether using a #pragma directive or
compiler attribute.

Example:

or:
3. Use #pragma pack or
__attribute__((packed)) to
Remove Padding
or:

Trade-off:
• This may lead to misaligned access, which
can reduce performance on some
architectures.
4. Use bit-fields
for Compact
Representation of
Small Values
4. Use bit-fields for Compact
Representation of Small Values

If a field only requires a few bits, use bit-fields


instead of full-width data types.

Example:

Why?
• This packs the structure into a single 8-bit
integer instead of needing four separate
integers (potentially 16 or 32 bytes).

Trade-off:
integer instead of needing four separate
4. Use bit-fields for Compact
integers (potentially 16
Representation of or 32 bytes).
Small Values

Trade-off:
• Bit-fields may generate additional masking
and shifting operations, which can affect
performance.
5. Use Smaller
Data Types When
Possible
5. Use Smaller Data Types
When Possible

Instead of using int or long, use smaller types


like uint8_t, uint16_t, or bool.

Example:

Why?
• This reduces the overall structure size.
6. Avoid
Unnecessary
Pointers
6. Avoid Unnecessary
Pointers

Pointers are typically 4 bytes (32-bit) or 8


bytes (64-bit).
Instead of using pointers, directly embed the
data when feasible.

Example:
Instead of:

Use:
6. Avoid Unnecessary
Pointers
Use:

Why?
• Reduces the overhead of storing
addresses and dereferencing.
7. Use Unions to
Share Memory
Space
7. Use Unions to Share
Memory Space

Unions allow different members to share the


same memory location, reducing the total
size.

Example:

Why?
Only one of the union members is stored at a
time, saving memory.
8. Avoid Wasting
Space with
Boolean Types
8. Avoid Wasting Space with
Boolean Types

• A bool type typically takes 1 byte.


• Use bit-fields or uint8_t instead to store
multiple boolean values together.

Example:
Instead of:

Use:
8. Avoid Wasting Space with
Boolean Types
Use:

Set and clear flags:


9. Use Dynamic
Memory
Allocation
9. Use Dynamic Memory
Allocation

Use Dynamic Memory Allocation (If Available)


for Large or Optional Data.
Instead of allocating large arrays or buffers
directly inside a structure, allocate them
dynamically when needed.

Example:
Instead of:

Use:
9. Use Dynamic Memory
Allocation

Use:

Why?
• Reduces the fixed memory footprint.
• You can allocate exactly the required size.
10. Use const to
Store Read-Only
Data in Flash/ROM
Instead of RAM
10. Use const to Store Read-
Only Data in Flash/ROM Instead
of RAM

If the structure contains read-only data, mark


it as const so it can be stored in Flash or
ROM.

Example:

Why?
• Saves RAM because the structure is stored
in Flash/ROM instead.
11. Best Practices
Summary
11. Best Practices Summary
12. Example of an
Optimized
Structure
12. Example of an
Optimized Structure

Here's an example combining multiple


techniques:

Why This Is Efficient:


• Bitmask reduces boolean storage.
• uint16_t and uint8_t save space.
• union reduces memory requirements.
• #pragma pack removes padding.
13. Conclusion
13. Conclusion

Efficient memory management is critical in


embedded systems, where memory resources
are limited and performance is paramount.
Optimizing C structures by reducing padding,
using bit-fields, leveraging unions, and
carefully choosing data types can significantly
reduce the memory footprint of your
embedded applications. Techniques like using
#pragma pack, replacing boolean values with
bitmasks, and dynamically allocating memory
when needed can further enhance efficiency
without compromising functionality.

By applying these strategies, you can create


more compact and efficient code, leading to
without compromising functionality.
13. Conclusion
By applying these strategies, you can create
more compact and efficient code, leading to
faster execution, lower power consumption,
and increased reliability in your embedded
systems. Memory optimization at the
structural level is a key step toward
developing robust and scalable embedded
software.

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