Microchip has introduced a comprehensive 32-bit microcontroller firmware development framework with its announcement of MPLAB Harmony. This framework is the first to integrate the licensing, resale and support of both Microchip and third-party middleware, drivers, libraries and real-time operating systems.
Currently, Harmony includes third-party offerings from Interniche, freeRTOS, wolfSSL and OpenRTOS, with many more on the way. The result is that developers can greatly simplify their PIC32 MCU code development process by reducing common integration bugs.
With the growing complexity of embedded systems, industry studies have shown that software development accounts for 60% of the average design cycle. At the same time, designers are using a variety of software with untested compatibility and multiple sources of purchasing and support. This causes increased verification and debug time after the design is completed, which can cost 10 to 30 times more than defects found during the design phase.
The MPLAB Harmony framework reduces development time and costs by providing a single integrated, abstracted and flexible source for Microchip-tested, debugged and interoperable code. In addition, it provides a modular architecture that enables the efficient integration of multiple drivers, middleware and libraries, while offering an RTOS-independent environment that makes it easy to switch RTOSs.
Not only does this pre-verification and integration speed development, it also increases reuse. On the hardware side, the Harmony framework makes it even easier to port code and migrate among all of Microchip’s 32-bit PIC32 microcontrollers. Also, by using this single source for in-house and third-party code (both free and premium) that is supported by Microchip, designers can greatly increase their reaction times to their ever-changing end-market requirements.
MPLAB Harmony is available today, and the basic framework is free. The first release provides initial support for the new PIC32MZ family, as well as the PIC32MX families. Full support for all PIC32 families is planned for the next version release, which is expected in March 2014. Once downloaded, there is a modular menu of free and premium software options that are also available today.
Compact direct Time-of-Flight 3D LiDAR module Altron Arrow
Opto-Electronics Electronics Technology AI & ML
The VL53L9 from STMicroelectronics is the first direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) 3D LiDAR all-in-one module in ST’s portfolio, offering a resolution of 2,3K zones, wide field of view, on-chip processing, 100 frames per second, and sensing range from 5 centimeters to 9 meters.
Read more...Generating negative voltages from a positive supply Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Passive Components
It is common for IoT devices, industrial sensors, meters, and medical equipment to require both a positive and negative voltage, and this article explains the options available to produce a negative rail from a positive rail supply.
Read more...Addressing latency and signal integrity challenges Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
Strengthening Microchip Technology’s data centre solutions portfolio, its XpressConnect retimers support high-bandwidth architectures, while helping reduce integration complexity.
Read more...Precision timing in compact package Altron Arrow
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Designed for use in harsh environments, the EX-423 incorporates a four-point mounted quartz crystal structure that improves shock resistance and reduces g-sensitivity.
Read more...Advanced STM32 debugging in VS Code
Design Automation
Once an STM32 project is running in VS Code, the IAR C-SPY Debug extension adds a professional-grade analysis layer that scales with project complexity.
Read more...EMC limits and levels Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Circuit & System Protection
As soon as electronics and electrical systems started interfering with each other, the world had to come to some consensus. Considering physics is universal and does not care about what country electrical/electronic products are used in, it should be the same everywhere, right? It is nearly there, but not quite.
Read more...Introducing STM32CubeMX2 Altron Arrow
Design Automation
STMicroelectronics has launched STM32CubeMX2, a new evolution of its popular configuration and code generation tool for STM32 microcontrollers.
Read more...Next-gen SPE Altron Arrow
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Next-generation 100/1000BASE-T1 Single Pair Ethernet PHYs integrate MACsec security, time sensitive networking, and functional safety.
Read more...Industrial vibration sensing simplified Altron Arrow
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The IIS3DWBG1 from STMicroelectronics is a high performance, three-axis digital vibration sensor engineered for demanding industrial applications where accurate motion monitoring is essential.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.