Unified software development framework for SAM MCUs

The new version helps developers to simplify and scale designs and adds enhancements to streamline designs, such as royalty-free security software through a partnership with wolfSSL. Modular software downloads allow designers to only download select portions of software based on the needs of an application.

MPLAB Harmony v3 provides a unified platform with flexible choices spanning architectures, performance and application focus, enabling developers to learn and maintain a single environment on their computer. To support varying software development models from basic device configuration to Real Time Operating System (RTOS)-based applications, MPLAB Harmony version 3.0 relieves designers from having to download the entire software suite when they only need to use small elements or components of it.

For example, developers can now simply download device drivers or a TCP/IP stack as their application demands, saving time and hard disk space. To further streamline development, the software features simplified drivers and optimised peripheral libraries. This alleviates developers from spending time and effort on lower level drivers, allowing them to focus on differentiating applications.

To reduce embedded security design cycles for customers, Microchip has partnered with wolfSSL to implement elements of the company’s security suite software in MPLAB Harmony v3. The multi-year agreement with wolfSSL provides developers ready-to-use, royalty-free software-based security solutions that emphasise speed, size, portability and standards compliance. Customers can go into production with a free commercial licence anytime during the agreement and will have access to the following elements of wolfSSL’s suite: wolfSSL TLS Library, wolfMQTT Client Library and wolfSSH SSH Library.

The Xplained Pro and Ultra evaluation platforms for SAM MCUs are now supported in MPLAB Harmony v3. MPLAB Harmony works closely with the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to provide customers with a unified software development across the company’s MCU product portfolios. The PIC32 family of MCUs and associated development platforms, such as Curiosity boards, will continue to be supported under MPLAB X and Harmony development platforms. MPLAB Harmony also seamlessly integrates third-party solutions (such as RTOS, middleware, drivers) into the embedded development framework.

MPLAB Harmony version 3.0 is available free to download on Microchip’s website. The following families are fully supported today in MPLAB Harmony v3:

• SAM E/S/V7x
• SAM C21/C20
• SAM D21/D20

The following families are beta supported today in MPLAB Harmony v3:

• SAM D/E5x
• PIC32MZ EF
• PIC32MZ DA
• PIC32MK

All other 32-bit SAM and PIC32 MCU families will be supported progressively by the middle of 2019. Support for new families will be added to future MPLAB Harmony versions.