Best Embedded Software Development Tools for Small Business - Page 2

Keil® MDK stands out as the ultimate software development package for Arm®-based microcontrollers, encompassing all necessary elements for crafting, building, and troubleshooting embedded applications. The foundation of MDK-Core lies in µVision (exclusive to Windows), offering exceptional support for Cortex-M devices, especially with the introduction of the advanced Armv8-M architecture. Within MDK, users gain access to the Arm C/C++ Compiler, which is accompanied by an assembler, linker, and highly efficient run-time libraries designed for optimal code size and performance. Additionally, users can enhance MDK-Core at any moment by integrating Software Packs, allowing for seamless updates in device support and middleware that are independent of the toolchain. These packs consist of device support, CMSIS libraries, middleware, board support, code templates, and illustrative example projects. Furthermore, the integrated IPv4/IPv6 networking communication stack is augmented with Mbed™ TLS, facilitating secure online connections. This powerful tool is ideal for product evaluation, smaller projects, and educational purposes, although it does impose a restriction on code size to a maximum of 32 Kbytes, making it suitable for various embedded applications while still being resource-efficient.

The MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a versatile and customizable software solution that integrates robust tools designed to assist you in exploring, configuring, developing, debugging, and validating embedded designs for a wide range of microcontrollers and digital signal controllers. It operates flawlessly within the MPLAB development ecosystem, which includes numerous software and tools, many of which are available at no cost. There's no need for additional visualization tools, as real-time data can be monitored through the Data Visualizer. The I/O View feature allows for quick verification and manipulation of pin states, facilitating efficient hardware validation. Furthermore, it streamlines your workflow by automatically providing convenient access to software libraries, datasheets, and user guides. Additionally, the MPLAB Integrated Programming Environment (IPE) is included for high-level production programming, ensuring that you have all the essential resources at your fingertips. With its extensive array of features, MPLAB X IDE significantly enhances your ability to debug projects effectively, ultimately reducing your overall development time. This makes it an invaluable asset for engineers working on embedded systems development.

MPLAB® Harmony v3 is a comprehensive framework designed for embedded software development, offering a range of flexible and interoperable software modules that aim to streamline the creation of enhanced features while expediting product launches. This framework is core-agnostic, providing support for both MIPS® and Arm® Cortex® core architectures, thereby ensuring code portability through consistent APIs applicable across various device families. The MPLAB Harmony Configurator’s (MHC’s) Graphical User Interface (GUI) allows for straightforward configuration, making it user-friendly. It has been validated for compatibility with 32-bit PIC® (MIPS-based) and SAM (Arm Cortex-based) MCU and MPU device families, ensuring robust performance. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with third-party solutions such as FreeRTOS and Micrium®, and it can import projects developed in IAR Embedded Workbench. The latest version introduces support for SAM families of Arm Cortex-M based devices, complemented by a free software development environment. Furthermore, the graphical configuration features offered by MHC’s GUI facilitate easy setup of devices and libraries, enhancing the overall development experience. This combination of features makes MPLAB Harmony v3 a powerful tool for developers aiming to maximize efficiency and minimize time-to-market for their products.

A programming environment refers to a user-friendly application designed to facilitate the process of programming microcontrollers (MCUs) by allowing technicians to efficiently load, program, and verify software without encountering the complexities associated with comprehensive Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). One example of such a solution is the MPLAB Integrated Programming Environment (IPE), which offers a streamlined interface that enables quick access to essential production programming functionalities. Tailored for use on manufacturing floors, MPLAB IPE incorporates a technician-friendly user interface, making it compatible with all Microchip products and programmers supported by the MPLAB X IDE. In production mode, technicians are empowered to program devices as configured by engineers, monitor memory and power settings, retrieve device IDs, and import hex files, environments, and SQTP files, all while adhering to established permission settings. This efficiency not only enhances productivity but also ensures that the programming process is consistent and reliable across various production scenarios.

MPLAB Connect Configurator, previously known as ProTouch2, serves as a user-friendly configuration and programming tool designed for our latest USB hubs, along with Ethernet and PCIe® products. With an engaging Graphical User Interface (GUI), this tool allows you to effortlessly generate configuration files in both binary (.cfg and .bin) and JSON (.json) formats, which hold the necessary data for programming your target device. The features are organized into three distinct categories: basic, advanced, and special, providing a variety of programming options that enhance your design customization. You can configure both upstream and downstream ports, manage battery charging settings, and enable USB control for I2C, SPI, or digital I/O on your SmartHub™ IC or USB-to-Ethernet bridge. Additionally, it allows you to specify the unique MAC address for your USB-to-Ethernet bridge and manage the power consumption levels of your device. Overall, MPLAB Connect Configurator streamlines the process of setting up and programming devices for optimal performance.

Debugging the run-time behavior of your code has become remarkably straightforward. The MPLAB® Data Visualizer is a complimentary debugging utility that provides a graphical representation of run-time variables within embedded applications. This tool can be utilized as a plug-in for the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or as an independent debugging solution. It is capable of receiving data from multiple sources, including the Embedded Debugger Data Gateway Interface (DGI) and COM ports. Additionally, you can monitor your application's run-time behavior through either a terminal or a graphical representation. To dive into data visualization, consider exploring the Curiosity Nano Development Platform as well as the Xplained Pro Evaluation Kits. Data can be captured from a live embedded target via a serial port (CDC) or the Data Gateway Interface (DGI). Furthermore, you can simultaneously stream data and debug your target code using MPLAB® X IDE. The tool allows you to decode data fields in real-time using the Data Stream Protocol format. You have the option to visualize either the raw or decoded data in a graphical format as a time series or present it in a terminal, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your application's performance. This versatility makes the MPLAB® Data Visualizer an essential asset for developers working with embedded systems.

The µVision Integrated Development Environment (IDE) brings together various functionalities such as project management, run-time environment, build tools, source code editing, and program debugging into one robust platform. User-friendly and efficient, µVision enhances the speed of embedded software development processes. It also accommodates multiple screens, enabling users to customize their workspace with unique window layouts across the interface. The µVision Debugger offers a comprehensive setting where you can test, validate, and fine-tune your application code effectively. It features an array of traditional debugging tools, including both simple and complex breakpoints, watch windows, and control over execution, ensuring complete access to device peripherals. By leveraging the µVision Project Manager and Run-Time Environment, developers can construct software applications using pre-assembled software components and device support sourced from Software Packs. These software components encompass libraries, source modules, configuration files, templates for source code, and thorough documentation, providing a well-rounded foundation for development. This holistic approach not only streamlines the development process but also significantly reduces the time taken to bring projects to completion.

Static analysis is a valuable technique for identifying possible problems within your code by examining it at the source code level. C-STAT offers nearly 700 different checks, many of which adhere to guidelines outlined in MISRA C:2012, MISRA C++:2008, and MISRA C:2004, in addition to more than 250 checks that correspond to issues recognized by CWE. Furthermore, it assesses adherence to the CERT C coding standard, which focuses on secure coding practices. C-STAT operates swiftly and provides extensive and detailed error reports, allowing for effective troubleshooting. There’s no need to be concerned about complicated tool configurations or dealing with language support and overarching build challenges. Fully integrated into the IAR Embedded Workbench IDE, C-STAT empowers you to effortlessly maintain code quality throughout your development processes. This tool is compatible with a wide range of IAR Embedded Workbench products. By utilizing static analysis, not only can potential code issues be detected, but it also facilitates compliance with established industry coding standards. Ultimately, this enhances overall software reliability and maintainability.

With over thirty years of dedicated customer use and ongoing improvements, the MULTI Integrated Development Environment (IDE) stands unparalleled in the realm of embedded software. Developers trust MULTI to assist them in crafting superior code and accelerating their product launches. From identifying elusive bugs to fixing memory leaks and enhancing system performance, MULTI is consistently effective. Each aspect of our groundbreaking Debugger is tailored to swiftly address issues that often confound conventional tools. Problems such as inter-task corruptions, unmet real-time requirements, and external hardware events can typically take weeks or even months to resolve. However, with Green Hills' TimeMachine tool suite, these challenges can often be addressed in mere hours or even minutes. The TimeMachine suite automatically records program execution data, seamlessly integrating the MULTI Debugger interface with advanced replay debugging features, making it a vital resource for developers. This innovative approach not only saves time but also enhances the overall debugging process significantly.

In the realm of ensuring software quality, reliability, and security amid complex code bases, the conventional methods of debugging and testing are increasingly proving inadequate. Automated solutions like static source code analyzers excel in identifying defects that could lead to issues such as buffer overflows, resource leaks, and various other security vulnerabilities that often escape detection by standard compilers during regular builds, run-time tests, or typical operational conditions. These defects typically go unnoticed, underscoring the limitations of traditional methods. Unlike other standalone source code analyzers, DoubleCheck stands out as an integrated static analysis tool that is woven into the Green Hills C/C++ compiler. It employs precise and efficient analysis algorithms that have been refined and validated through over three decades of experience in developing embedded tools. By using DoubleCheck, developers can seamlessly conduct compilation alongside defect analysis in a single pass, streamlining their workflow and enhancing overall code integrity. This integrated approach not only saves time but also significantly improves the identification of potential issues within code.

With the rapid advancements in microprocessor technology, application developers increasingly turn to Green Hills Compilers to harness the complete capabilities of hardware, ensuring optimal performance and functional safety in their upcoming applications. The compilers are equipped with cutting-edge optimizations designed to enhance program performance while adhering to stringent size limitations. A notable feature, CodeFactor™, enhances execution speed and minimizes code size by eliminating redundant code segments through techniques like subroutine calls and tail merging. Similarly, static basing optimizes performance and reduces size by organizing data items, which cuts down on the number of load address operations needed. Each optimization, whether a novel creation or an established industry standard, undergoes a thorough implementation process. For over thirty years, our commitment to engineering excellence has driven us to meticulously research and rigorously test each optimization against a wide array of benchmarks to ensure the highest quality. This dedication to innovation guarantees that developers can confidently rely on our tools to elevate their applications.

The TimeMachine debugging suite enhances the capabilities of Green Hills Software’s well-known MULTI integrated development environment (IDE) by offering insights into the intricate interactions within software that can lead to bugs, performance issues, and challenging testing scenarios. By displaying this information in intuitive formats, TimeMachine allows developers to efficiently sift through trace data, enabling them to write superior code more swiftly. With the ability to debug both forwards and backwards in time, TimeMachine simplifies the process of identifying even the most elusive errors. Discover how to optimize your software’s speed by analyzing execution histories to uncover hidden bottlenecks that could be slowing it down. Speed up your debugging process by allowing yourself to step back through your code, revisiting functions you may have previously overlooked. Additionally, take advantage of extensive execution history to ensure that your program undergoes thorough testing and meets quality standards. Ultimately, TimeMachine is a powerful tool that can transform the debugging experience for developers, making it more efficient and effective.

The security of connected embedded system devices is crucial, particularly for systems that must maintain high availability and support mission-critical functions. In the current landscape of increasing cyber threats, it is essential for connected embedded systems utilized in various sectors such as industrial controls, transportation, navigation, communications, aerospace, military, healthcare, and logistics to implement robust security measures from the moment of deployment and throughout their entire life cycle. As product developers face pressure to expedite their go-to-market strategies, many opt to incorporate third-party software components, whether open source or proprietary, to fulfill essential product requirements. Traditionally, security audits are conducted only at the conclusion of the development and testing phases, just prior to the launch of the products. This late-stage approach can often overlook vulnerabilities that may arise earlier in the development process, highlighting the need for a more integrated security strategy throughout the entire lifecycle of connected embedded systems.

OneTest Embedded simplifies the automation of creating and deploying component test harnesses, test stubs, and test drivers with ease. With just a single click from any development environment, users can profile memory usage and performance, evaluate code coverage, and visualize how programs execute. This tool also enhances proactive debugging, helping developers identify and rectify code issues before they escalate into failures. It fosters a continuous cycle of test generation by executing, reviewing, and enhancing tests to quickly achieve comprehensive coverage. Building, executing on the target, and generating reports takes only one click, which is essential in preventing performance problems and application crashes. Furthermore, OneTest Embedded can be customized to accommodate unique memory management techniques prevalent in embedded software. It also provides insights into thread execution and switching, which is crucial for gaining a profound understanding of the system's operational behavior under testing conditions. Ultimately, this powerful tool streamlines testing processes and enhances software reliability.

Modern automobiles, aircraft, or other complex industrial products are made up of many electronic components that are perfectly integrated to provide critical functionality. These advanced systems are underpinned by millions of lines embedded software code that ensures flawless operation in every operating situation. Ansys SCADE Suite drastically reduces safety certification costs by simplifying critical control application design and automating verification, qualifiable/certified code generation, and documentation generation. Ansys SCADE has been a valuable strategic tool for Subaru in the race to launch new hybrid or electric vehicle models. It supports Subaru's commitment to safety and quality. Subaru's ability introduce new technologies has been greatly aided by the time saved in the development of the ECU.

Metalware empowers engineers to swiftly grasp hardware specifications and develop software by synthesizing information from datasheets and SDKs. We produce an Intermediate Representation (IR), a structured file derived from documents that detail a programmable component, which includes a register map for Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) creation and device metadata for the compiler's reference to device-specific details. This IR facilitates the execution of the intended Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) or SDK's API by pinpointing registers and their configurations, whether they are arranged contiguously or supported by a FIFO structure, based on the accompanying device metadata. In addition, it streamlines the process by automatically creating implementation code, including HAL and header files, tailored for your selected RTOS or SDK. Consequently, this efficiency not only accelerates development but also enhances the accuracy of the code generated.

An effective ALM tool significantly enhances the management of your product's application lifecycle. The premier ALM tools offer comprehensive traceability throughout the entire lifecycle, which is why development teams from various sectors opt for Helix ALM. This versatile suite of ALM tools is designed to facilitate the tracking of requirements, testing, and issue management. Helix ALM stands out as the top software for application lifecycle management, providing extensive traceability throughout the process. This means you will have clear visibility into whether requirements have been adequately tested and fulfilled, whether test executions were successful or not, and whether any issues have been addressed. Furthermore, should a requirement undergo changes, you will instantly know the test cases and issues that may be affected. Helix ALM simplifies the creation of requirements and the sharing of related documents, allowing for seamless reviews and approvals directly within the application. Additionally, it offers the flexibility to reuse requirements across different projects, enhancing efficiency and collaboration. The collaborative features of Helix ALM ensure that all team members stay informed and aligned throughout the lifecycle.

Methodics IPLM Platform for Full Traceability With a modern platform, collaborate on worldwide semiconductor design. The development process can be costly and time-consuming for both the semiconductor and chip design teams. There is very little room for error and you must start over. You can speed up time-to-market by sharing and reusing IP. You can also design it once and reuse multiple versions. This will help you drive more revenue for your company. Methodics IPLM makes this possible. Methodics IPLM (IP lifecycle management) is a comprehensive platform that manages IP. It allows companies of any size to have full control over the design and integration both of their internal and external design elements. This includes libraries, new digital and analog design, and standalone IP. Methodics IPLM maximizes internal design traceability and reuse through tight coupling of IP creators and IP consumers.

Atmel START is a groundbreaking online platform designed for the straightforward and visual configuration of embedded software projects. This tool allows users to choose and set up software components, drivers, middleware, and complete example projects that align with their specific application needs. During the configuration process, you can examine the relationships between various software components, identify conflicts, and understand hardware limitations. If any conflicts arise, Atmel START proactively suggests tailored solutions that accommodate your unique setup. With its intuitive graphical pin-multiplexing and clock configuration features, aligning your software and drivers with your hardware design becomes a seamless task. The platform also offers automated support for adapting projects and applications across different devices. Running sample code on your board has never been simpler or more efficient. Once you've finalized your configuration, you can easily download it for integration with your chosen integrated development environment (IDE), making the transition from setup to execution significantly smoother. This ensures that developers can focus more on innovation rather than troubleshooting compatibility issues.

The AdaMULTI IDE offers Ada developers access to the premier debugging and development resources found in the Green Hills MULTI IDE. For many years, our clients have leveraged our innovative tools and optimizing compilers to significantly enhance their debugging efficiency. This enhancement leads to the delivery of more trustworthy products to the market at a faster pace and with reduced development expenses. AdaMULTI encapsulates nearly thirty years of debugging knowledge into an all-encompassing toolkit for embedded software development, equipping you with everything necessary to produce reliable software with ease. Our groundbreaking debugger is crafted to resolve issues that typically confound conventional tools with remarkable speed. For particularly elusive bugs that used to take weeks to identify, the TimeMachine tool suite enables you to address these challenges in mere hours or even minutes. Adopting clean coding standards helps to prevent the introduction of new bugs due to overly intricate code. With a straightforward build configuration and tools that integrate seamlessly, you are empowered to allocate more time toward the actual development process, ensuring a smoother workflow. In essence, AdaMULTI not only enhances productivity but also fosters a culture of quality in software development.

It features a vast array of pre-made models spanning various engineering fields, along with an efficient search tool to find a model that fits your specific design needs, and extensive support for different targets. The Embed library includes a variety of motor models and control algorithms applicable to both sensored and sensorless scenarios, serving as a foundation to expedite embedded motor control projects for all types of electric motors, such as AC induction, BLDC, PMSM, brushed DC, and stepper motors. Additionally, Embed enables users to effortlessly model and simulate complete physical layer data communication systems, allowing them to ascertain the energy and bit requirements for a specified bit error rate across a wide range of modulation, encoding, and channel setups, thereby enhancing project efficiency. This comprehensive toolset not only streamlines the design process but also fosters innovation in the development of advanced motor control and communication systems.

Zulu Embedded™, the only 100% open-source Java platform that is fully certified and customizable for embedded systems, IoT and IIoT edge devices and gateways, and dedicated applications, is available. It can be used on a variety of operating systems and devices. Zulu Embedded™, which meets all Java SE standards, requires no coding changes to the application. Use industry-standard Java tools to develop and profile. There are no licensing fees for this 100% open-source offering. Zulu Embedded support plans include redistribution-ready downloadable runtimes and access to all security updates, technical troubleshooting and a wide range of packaging options. We will work closely with you to determine the right bundle requirements, support, pricing, and pricing model to meet your needs.

ClarinoxBlue is an adaptable and versatile Bluetooth protocol stack tailored for embedded systems. > It accommodates both Bluetooth Classic (BR/EDR) and Bluetooth Low Energy. > The stack encompasses all necessary Bluetooth protocols and profile layers. > It allows for the use of multiple profiles and roles simultaneously. > Developers can choose between single and multi-threaded application designs. > It offers both blocking and non-blocking API functionalities. > Users have the flexibility to select either dual-mode or single-mode stack configurations. This makes ClarinoxBlue an excellent choice for developers looking to integrate Bluetooth capabilities into their embedded solutions.