Design Automation


Software development solution for Cortex-M MCUs

31 March 2021 Design Automation

Arm Keil MDK includes a leading Windows-based IDE, debugger, market leading compilers, software pack management and CMSIS. These software tools allow you to accelerate the development of your embedded software projects.

MDK offers support for over 5000 Cortex-M based devices, including Cortex-M23/M33 cores. The Windows-based ìVision IDE includes an Event Recorder and Component Viewer to show the run-time behaviour of software components. Together with the ULINKpro debug and trace adaptor, it offers full instruction trace functionality and complete code coverage information.

Software packs can be added to MDK at any time, making new device support and middleware updates independent from the toolchain. They contain device support, CMSIS libraries, software components, middleware, board support, code templates and example projects. MDK-Middleware provides royalty-free, tightly coupled software components that are specifically designed for communication peripherals in microcontrollers.

The Cortex Microcontroller Software Interface Standard (CMSIS) enables consistent and simple software interfaces to the processor for peripherals, realtime operating systems and middleware. It simplifies software re-use, reducing the learning curve for new microcontroller developers and cutting the time-to-market for devices.

The Arm C/C++ compilers with assembler, linker and highly optimised run-time libraries are tailored for optimum code size and performance. All Arm compilers are certified for functional safety applications and offer long-term maintenance and support. Arm Compiler 6 boasts very small code size, with various optimisation levels including link time optimisation.

A ready-to-use software framework for embedded functional safety applications is available in MDK. The blocks are fully qualified for ISO 26262, IEC 61508, IEC 62304 and EN 50128 and contain Keil RTX RTOS, an optimised C library, CMSIS-Core and the Event Recorder which helps to determine the timing behaviour of the application.

Additionally, MDK accelerates important functions for safety-related application development, such as static code analysis and MISRA checking and code coverage, which can otherwise be time consuming. MDK provides interfaces for integration with third-party unit test frameworks and can be automated easily for use in continuous integration environments.

A choice of debug probes to suit your needs


All members of the ULINK family of debug and trace adaptors enable you to download programs to your target, step through your program, insert breakpoints and debug your Arm Cortex-M based devices on-the-fly. The sophisticated ULINKpro debug probe provides high-speed data and instruction tracing that lets you analyse your program behaviour and generate the necessary code coverage information required for safety certifications.

The ULINKplus is ideally suited to optimising battery life in IoT applications. It enables software optimisation for ultra-low power applications, test automation and isolation for high-speed debug and trace of sensitive hardware systems.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Compact 6 A automotive buck converter
Altron Arrow Power Electronics / Power Management
Delivering up to 6 A of continuous output current, the DCP0606Y from STMicroelectronics enables efficient regulation of low-voltage rails commonly used in modern vehicle electronics and industrial systems.

Read more...
Next-gen modules for rugged edge AI systems
Altron Arrow Computer/Embedded Technology
Designed for real-world edge deployments where systems do not sit still, SolidRun’s P100 COMx6 series targets mobile platforms as well as harsh, mission-critical environments.

Read more...
ST welcomes STM32Cube AI Studio
Design Automation
STMicroelectronics has introduced STM32Cube AI Studio, a new desktop software environment designed to simplify the deployment of artificial intelligence on STM32 microcontrollers.

Read more...
NeoCortec introduces new NeoGW software
Design Automation
This is a powerful multiplatform open-source solution designed to streamline integration between the NeoMesh network and upper-level systems, whether deployed in the cloud or on-premise environments.

Read more...
Keil Studio now in VSCode
Design Automation
Keil Studio, Arm’s latest IDE, now integrates embedded development tools directly into Visual Studio Code providing features like seamless industry tool integration, version control, and a CLI for CI workflows.

Read more...
NXP has expanded its MCX A Series
Altron Arrow AI & ML
NXP has significantly expanded its MCX A Series of Arm Cortex-M33 microcontrollers, doubling the portfolio with six new families aimed at industrial and IoT edge applications.

Read more...
Surviving the extremes: Understanding shock and vibration in MEMS sensors
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Test & Measurement
By considering factors such as mechanical headroom, damping, and system-level robustness, designers can ensure that the chosen sensor not only survives, but performs reliably over time.

Read more...
Quad-Apollo MxFE reference design
Design Automation
The Quad-Apollo MxFE reference design exemplifies a complete, high-performance platform for every-element direct-RF sampling digital beamforming using Analog Devices’ Apollo mixed-signal front-end technology.

Read more...
Exploring Bluetooth Channel Sounding
Altron Arrow Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
NXP has enabled BCS on the MCX W72 multi-protocol wireless MCU, which supports Bluetooth Low Energy 6.0, Thread, Zigbee, and Matter.

Read more...
Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 companion module
Altron Arrow Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The SimpleLink Wi-Fi CC33xx family of devices from Texas Instruments are dual-band Wi-Fi 6 companion modules enabling engineers to connect more applications with confidence.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved