By info@ico28.com 
Microchip Graphics Suite (MGS) is a tool intended to aid the development of graphical user interfaces for touch screen displays, including the incorporation of animations and images.
Designed to work with the company’s MPLAB Harmony v3 and its mainlined distribution for 32-bit Linux environments, the tool has a simulator for hardware-free prototyping.
The simulator builds C code generated by Microchip’s Code Configurator in a choice of two modes: for visual review, ‘web mode’ creates an HTML file that can run on web browsers with simulated touch interactivity that anyone can view, while ‘native mode’ enables engineers to debug the GUI on Windows computers.
“MGS provides an intuitive WYSIWYG interface with a modern design, enabling users to directly see and manipulate the final output,” said Microchip. It supports “a range of devices of varying performance, from resource-constrained devices with significantly lower memory and system performance, to high-performance devices supporting tablet-sized touchscreens with high-fidelity video playback”.
Applicable display types span monochrome OLEDs to 1080p 16.7m colour TFTs, with MIPI, DSI, LVDS, RGB, SPI or HDMI interfaces, and touchscreens with 2D or 3D gestures.
It is compatible with PIC32 MCUs, SAM MPUs and maXTouch touchscreen controllers, said Microchip.
Electronics Weekly has asked for for more information – which processors does it work with, for example – watch this space – and until then, this YouTube video might help.
Original article source:
FAQ
- What is MPLAB Harmony Graphics Suite (MHGS)?
MHGS is a free, integrated graphical development tool within the MPLAB Harmony framework designed specifically for 32-bit MCUs and MPUs by Microchip. It allows developers to easily create professional GUIs with animations and imagery using a WYSIWYG editor.
- Is the MPLAB Harmony Graphics Suite free?
Yes, it is free to use with 32-bit Microchip MCUs and MPUs. There are no licensing fees or royalties, making it an accessible tool for developers working on cost-sensitive project.
- What types of displays are supported by MHGS?
MHGS supports a wide range of display configurations, from controllerless graphics for small, low-cost displays up to 800×480 pixels, to displays with integrated controllers and 2D hardware acceleration for higher resolutions
- Can I use MHGS for non-Linux embedded systems?
Yes, MHGS is designed for non-Linux applications and provides a rich environment for developing GUIs on bare metal or with real-time operating systems .
- What processors are compatible with MHGS?
MHGS is optimized for Microchip’s 32-bit MCUs and MPUs, particularly those with embedded graphics capabilities, such as the PIC32MZ DA family.
- What are the advantages of using MHGS over other GUI tools?
MHGS offers a highly integrated development environment with MPLAB X IDE, allowing faster development cycles and lower costs. Additionally, its cross-compatibility with various 32-bit MCUs allows for code portability across different projects.
- How does MHGS reduce development time and cost?
MHGS reduces time to market by allowing developers to quickly create and integrate GUIs using its WYSIWYG editor, pre-built demo designs, and sample code. Its tight integration with MPLAB X IDE eliminates the need to switch between multiple toolsets.