No. 14, May/June 2011

New RKit ARM

Tool Set Adds Support of STM32 F2, Stellaris and More!

The new release of the RKit ARM software tool set (1.32.11.0116 ) with the latest installation of Ride7 includes support for many new Cortex-M3 based MCUs, plus new debugging and application development features.

Newly supported microcontrollers include the STM32 F2 series and virtually the complete line of Stellaris microcontrollers from Texas Instruments including Stellaris 1000, 2000, 3000, 5000, 6000, 8000 and 9000 series. With these additions, Raisonance customers benefit from wide support of the three leading MCU lines in the Cortex-M3 space; notably the component lines from NXP, STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments.

This latest release also introduces a number of new development features for users of various Raisonance tools. The new "Enterprise" version of RKit-ARM provides Ride users a wide range of new features such as integration of versionng tools (CVS and SVN), script-based controls for task automation, integrated control of 3rd-party compilers, and compiling and debug of C++ to name a few. Users of the EvoPrimer and Open4 also benefit from SWV-based trace functionality when they are debugging their applications on their target board, or on an external application board. A complete feature listing is provided at www.mcu-raisonance.com/software_packages_arm.html

Many users will also remark the revised software registration system which has been implmented to ensure the continued evolution of the tool offer, support of new MCUs and user support. Please note with this latest edition:

• The RKit-ARM 1.32.11.0116 must be used with Ride version 7.32.11.0112. Previous versions of RKit-ARM and other current RKits for STM8, PPC, 51, C816 can not be used with the latest version of Ride.
• The RKit-ARM 1.32.11.0116 must be registered in order to function for more than 7 days. Registration requires an up to date support contract. Extensions of support contracts are available online.

Complete information about his version is available on the Raisonance Support Extranet, http://support-raisonance.com

OpenWorld Application Design Contest

EvoPrimers Awarded to Best Concepts in Contest Phase 1

Thanks to all who contributed their ideas for the STM32 OpenWorld Design Contest!

June 18 was officially the last day to enter concepts and be eligible for a tool award in Phase 1. If you missed the June 18 deadline, don't worry, you can still participate in the contest and compete for the final cash awards. This deadline only determines those getting Phase 1 tool awards. EvoPrimer is also widely available at distributors. Links to distributors are provided at www.stm32circle.com

Many great application ideas have been proposed on a variety of topics related to assisting people with handicaps including:

• Navigation assistance for the blind with projects like GPSense that propose hardware/software solutions for tracking userposition and giving tactile or audio feedback to direct the user.
• Communication facilitators like #172 Deaf and Dumb Interpreter that translates sign to human voice and vice versa.
• Public transportation assistance applications such as Wayfinder Prime 1 which proposes using dead reckoning techniques and RF technologies to help users with visual impairments navigate in a transportation hub.
• Heath monitoring applications like SAS Canceller 1.0 that propose to combine condition monitoring with information feedback to the user. SAS Canceller takes this one step further to propose a treatment response for sleep apnea.

These are just a few of the award winning concepts from more than 60 proposed application ideas.

Now the contest enters Phase 2... creating those applications. We look forward to receiving all completed contest entries by 14 December 2011, posted at www.stm32circle.com.

Raisonance Support

Raisonance Support Extranet Goes Online

Users of the latest version of the Raisonance software tools for ARM will note that the download links brought them to a new internet site. This site - the Raisonance Support Extranet, provides a new interface for accessing Raisonance product downloads and contacting technical support teams.

Currently, the site provides up to date information about the latest software releases. It is being completed with accesses for reporting issues, making requests and following the status of support requests. A user account is required, but this is a simple and free registration.

In coming weeks watch the site for releases of other RKit tool sets including RKit-STM8 and Rkit-PPC. To create a log in access and get more information go to http://support-raisonance.com

MCU Training

New MCU Training Events

Just getting started developing applications for STM32 or STM8 devices? Raisonance offers training courses based on certified STMicroelectronics' content to help you get a head start on your application development.

Raisonance microcontroller trainings provide insights and hands-on experience with configuring device peripherals and features, coding, compiling and debugging applications.

A complete calendar of training courses and descriptions are provided on our training pages. The next sessions:

• New sessions for STM32 and STM8 available for September 2011.
• Contact training@raisonance.com for more information

More info...