Microchip adds algorithms to automatic C code generation too
Source: steve bush
Microchip has added application algorithms to the register initialisation function already available in its Code Configurator automatic C code generation tool.
Currently available for comment as a 'beta' release, Code Configurator version 3.0 will automatically implement code for functions including capacitive touch, a boot-loader, and a TCP/IP stack.
"If you wanted to implement a touch function, originally you needed to start by configuring your ADC, and we then pointed you to an existing library or application note to perform CVD [capacitive voltage division] and you modified the code for your application." Microchip business development manager Lucio Di Jasio told Electronics Weekly. "Code Configurator v3.0 take on the burden of implementing CVD and applies it on top of ADC converter initialisation. Just click on 'Touch' or 'Slider' in the tool and it does all the magic - not only the configuration, but the algorithms as well - it customises the standard CVD algorithm for your hardware."
The boot-loader tool only requires the selection of receive bus (serial, USB or I2C, for example), time-out duration and checksum type, and the TCP/IP "has been designed to fit onto small memory footprint and complement our MAC and PHY chips, you just choose and select features", said De Jasio.
Flying in the face of a perceived move to 32bit processors, Microchip continues to develop its 8bit products, adding multi-use peripherals that take the place of complex algorithms. Its 'angular timer' is a recent example of hardware that that takes the algorithmic sting out of predicting positions around any form of rotating hardware.
The peripheral requires a single logic input transition once per revolution as a reference, and provides interrupts or output digital transitions at fixed angles after the input transition. Applications include brushless motor control and engine management, according to De Jasio.
Along with several other microcontroller firms, Microchip is increasingly adding 'core independence' to its peripherals - adding logic that, once it has been initialised by the core, allows the peripheral to act alone or to interact with another peripherals without core intervention. This frees the core to save power by sleeping, or to throttle-back and monitor signal paths without interrupts.
Some chip makers are advocating the use of simpler peripherals and fast 32bit cores to implement similar functions, providing libraries of more complex algorithms to make up for lost analogue and digital provision.
Is there anything wrong with this approach?
Nothing, if you don't mind dissipating milliamps rather than microamps, said Di Jasio.
Full release of Code Configurator v3.0 is scheduled in January 2016.
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