STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor supplier serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has released version 4.20 of its TouchGFX user interface design software for STM32 microcontrollers. The latest updates include support for ST's new NeoChrom graphics accelerator, which is integrated into advanced MCUs such as the new STM32U5 series.
Built on ST's Chrom-ART accelerator that manipulates pixels and shapes, NeoChrom enables full-screen rotation at any angle and supports texture mapping for smooth, fluid graphics and greater ease of use.
Panasonic, a global consumer electronics brand, has been using TouchGFX with STM32 microcontrollers for several years in creating its home appliance products.
“The quality and design of TouchGFX tools, as well as the excellent user experiences we were able to implement with the support of ST, contribute to our brand awareness and experience. TouchGFX enables our engineers to be more productive,” said Wang Cong, director of Device Solution Development Center at Panasonic Dalian Software Development Center Co,Ltd.
With the on-chip NeoChrom accelerator, the latest STM32 MCUs bring embedded graphics performance to the level of application processors in today's smartphones and tablets. On the other hand, MCUs are more affordable, power efficient, and easier to use. They can run on simple operating systems like FreeRTOS and Microsoft Azure ThreadX, or even on bare metal.
“TouchGFX 4.20 now enables developers everywhere to unleash NeoChrom-accelerated graphics on embedded systems containing our latest, most power-efficient STM32 MCUs,” said Ricardo de-sa-Earp, executive vice president of the TouchGFX 4.20 microcontroller subgroup. general purpose, microcontrollers and digital ICs. Group, STMicroelectronics.
TouchGFX 4.20 adds important new features for developers, including support for importing and exporting custom widgets. The environment comprises TouchGFXDesigner, the graphics development tool, and embedded software X-CUBE-TOUCHGFX, which provides all the necessary firmware to run the user interface on the target MCU. Fully integrated into the STM32Cube MCU development ecosystem, TouchGFX provides a complete workflow that simplifies design and accelerates time to market.
