Altium introduces Software Platform Builder for ARM Cortex-M

The new Software Platform simplifies and speeds application building. Developers can put the middleware framework of an application together with just a few clicks. Once the desired middleware options and the Cortex-M based microcontroller are chosen, the Software Platform generates the code that delivers the required functionality. The developer need then just design the application software, which is easily integrated with the generated code.

Easy to use, the Software Platform enables the developer to switch the Cortex-M microcontroller easily, both within the product family as well as across vendors. The Software Builder collects the middleware functionalities and the low-level drivers for the microcontroller, after which the code framework is generated and then compiled with the application code.

All Software Platform functionalities, including the software development tools, are available at a very competitive price (the same cost as a traditional development toolset). The Software Builder is seamlessly integrated into the TASKING VX-toolset, which includes a C/C++ compiler, debugger and an Eclipse based IDE. 

Harm-Andre Verhoef, TASKING Product Manager at Altium, comments: “Altium is making a huge step forward in delivering a comprehensive ARM Cortex-M development suite. Putting an embedded application together is a breeze through our single vendor middleware offering, with guaranteed compatibility with our compiler.”

The Software Platform will be made available to the market through the upcoming release of the TASKING VX-toolset for ARM later this year and will be delivered with the Premium Edition bundle license. The first release of the Software Builder provides support for the STMicroelectronics STM32 series. Pricing starts at EUR 1,495 for the TASKING VX-toolset Standard Edition and EUR 2,545 for the Premium Edition. Existing customers with a maintenance contract will get the update for free.