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Developers can benefit from the capabilities and possibilities provided in ModusToolbox when developing embedded software for countless applications. (Source: Infineon)
of device and product features, to the ideal balance between their performance and capabilities on the one hand, and cost and power consumption on the other, to the specific APIs used to develop an application. Often the possibilities for optimizing the APIs are
limited by the drivers provided by the semiconductor manufacturer. Not so with the ModusToolbox software. This is because it provides both low-level peripheral drivers and a hardware abstraction layer (HAL). The hardware abstraction layer provides unified APIs that are consistent across different device families. As a result, application code developed with these functions is highly reusable and typically easier to program because some of the underlying hardware specifics are hidden in favor of typical use case functions. It also enables rapid integration of middleware libraries and communication stacks. However, compromises have to be made when
working exclusively on an abstract level. This is because any kind of abstraction leads to a certain degree of inefficiency, and the further you move away from the underlying hardware, the more you move away from the detailed control of the peripheral in question. In contrast, low-level drivers give full control over the peripheral. They also provide functions specifically designed for the features and capabilities of the corresponding device. Since ModusToolbox offers HAL and low-level drivers, an embedded developer can use both within one application. On the one hand, this makes it possible to achieve the necessary balance between portability and code reuse with HAL APIs, but on the other hand, it also makes it possible to develop code in such a way that is tightly coupled to the capabilities of the hardware. From this point of view, code and memory-saving software can be developed that is optimally adapted to the specific application in question. Middleware and libraries Another challenge for embedded engineers is the integration of libraries and middleware. Most semiconductor vendors provide access to an industry- standard ecosystem of middleware that is specifically developed and provided by that vendor, sometimes in collaboration with partners. In some cases, however, the offering is very rudimentary. Others provide reference examples within the development environment. These can act as a starting point and show that the middleware can work on the hardware in question. ModusToolbox also has code samples within the ModusToolbox Project Creator for sample projects from Infineon and partners. The embedded developer is often left with the task of
ModusToolbox from Infineon includes numerous tools as well as middleware with sample projects and numerous Board Support Packages (BSPs). (Source: Infineon)
integrating this middleware into his specific application. ModusToolbox makes this possible with a library manager that is able to collect the necessary source files from Git Hub repositories, resolve any dependencies on related
middleware, and update the necessary make recipes to include the selected sources. The documentation provided with each middleware source folder describes in detail all Makefile changes necessary to use the middleware in the application.
Conclusion The foundation for efficient development is a flexible development environment that allows embedded developers to define their individual workflow. Together with one of the supported PSoC™ microcontroller development kits, ModusToolbox provides this kind of flexibility, from the choice of supported IDE or command line build support to the various options for driver APIs and middleware integration.
Come visit us at the embedded world 2023, March 14-16! In hall 2, stand 248 Rutronik presents 10 counters with innovative products from renowned manufacturers in the fields of displays, boards & systems, wireless, digital and storage, such as Intel, Nordic Semiconductor, United Radiant Technology, Kontron and Infineon, among others. Rutronik experts will show you solutions for applications in fast-growing future markets such as automotive, e-mobility, (I)IoT, advanced robotics, Industry 4.0, medical and energy. And: Rutronik System Solutions will present the new Base Board RDK3 for the first time. It offers a unique approach to the development of wireless ultra-low-power Bluetooth applications and includes state-of-the-art security features.
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