22. July 2008 by pilot.

The MPLAB C32 compiler got today its first new release v1.03!

And it is not just any minor update of the tool as the small version number change would have you believe… there are two important changes:

1- The math libraries have been significantly optimized, in particular the floating point math

2- The Student Edition of the compiler (free download)  is now using a scheme similar to the MPLAB C30 compiler. The first 60 days there are NO limitations of any sort. After this period, only the maximum optimizations level is limited to level 1 (still very effective).

Gone is the limitation in size that had so many of us frustrated when trying to compile the more advanced libraries (like the USB Host Stack for example)!

Check the MPLAB C32 compiler web page for more info.

Posted in PIC32, Tools | No Comments »

22. July 2008 by pilot.

Today was my second day at the Masters 2008. After attending a number of excellent PIC32 classes (taught by the same architects and engineers that designed the chip and its libraries and tools) I sneaked out and went looking for a hands on class introducing the freeRTOS port for the PIC24 and PIC32.

freeRTOS is one of the few Real Time Operating Systems that have been ported to a large selection of microcontrollers commonly used in embedded control applications. Previous PIC architectures had been supported in the past but of course the PIC24 and PIC32 are now part of the list.

The integration with the MPLAB C30 and C32 compilers is quite natural and even the MPLAB IDE recognizes the tool and allows you to inspect the list of active  tasks and perform some basic debugging.

If you are like me, looking for a way to run multiple software libraries (Graphics, USB, TCP/IP etc ), you are most probably looking for a small and inexpensive RTOS that can help you manage the complexity.

Check out the freeRTOS web site, it might just be what the doctor ordered!

Posted in PIC32, Tools | No Comments »