The latest release of Microchip’s MPLAB Harmony firmware development framework for 32-bit PIC MCUs, Harmony 2.0, can now be downloaded at www.microchip.com/mplab/mplab-harmony.
Using MPLAB Harmony 2.0, developers will be able to simplify the MCU code development process by creating smaller and more efficient code, which will equate to faster and more cost-effective devices.
In addition to better quality code, the update has added numerous new tools that work within the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
According to Microchip, “MPLAB Harmony is a fully integrated firmware development platform for all 32-bit PIC32 MCUs. It takes key elements of modular and object-oriented design, adds in the flexibility to use a RTOS or work without one, and provides a framework of software modules that are easy to use, configurable for specific design requirements and that are purpose built to work together.”
The new tools include an enhanced Graphics Composure Suite for the easy creation of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). The suite adds tools for graphic asset utilisation management, image transformation including format conversion, compression and editing, a revised What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) engine for more accurate design-to-production GUI representation and a new Display Manager for easy adoption of non-standard displays.
MPLAB Harmony 2.0 also adds to the existing peripheral code library and upgrades the offering to comply with MISRA-C: 2012 Mandatory Standards.
Updates to the software framework also include additional tools and support such as a Board Support Package (BSP) Manager, stand-alone project exporting and an updated pin manager.
All of these updates, according to Microchip, are designed to drive shorter design times, lower total cost of development and increase profits.
“Studies have shown that a software development ecosystem is at least three times more important to our customers than any other aspect in their choice of MCU to implement an embedded design,” said Rod Drake, vice president of Microchip’s MCU32 division. “We’ve gathered feedback from our customers and put an immense amount of effort into making our MPLAB Harmony software framework better, faster, more efficient and more useful for developers. We know our customers will be extremely pleased with this latest update and we’ll continue to look for ways to exceed expectations.”
For more details, visit http://www.microchip.com/mplab/mplab-harmony
