ST Updates TouchGFX to Version 4.12
Partial Framebuffer Mode, 6KB RAM Capable
6-Bit Color Depth Enables 64-Color GUI Design


STMicroelectronics announced on the 30th that it has updated the TouchGFX UI software framework for STM32 MCU to version 4.12.

TouchGFX is a tool provided free within the STM32 ecosystem, consisting of the TouchGFX Designer PC tool and TouchGFX Engine software that runs on the final device.

With the 4.12 version update, users can implement UI in single-chip display solutions without external RAM or flash. Additionally, by reducing power consumption to extend battery life and enabling easier development, users can accelerate time-to-market.

The partial framebuffer mode of the TouchGFX Engine now supports buffer operation with just 6KB RAM. As fully-featured UI can be implemented in 16KB RAM, even smaller STM32 MCUs can deliver enhanced user experience without external memory.

The new 8-bit luminance (L8) format with 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit palettes can reduce flash memory usage. Even in smaller memory environments, TouchGFX can enhance performance by utilizing the STM32 Chrom-ART Accelerator, which accelerates graphics and processes sophisticated effects.

Through the new Cacheable Container with dynamic bitmaps, smooth and fluid animations are executed at high frame rates while reducing CPU load.

Users can now select a 6-bit color depth, enabling the use of 64 colors to create entry-level GUIs while reducing RAM and flash consumption.

Support for unmapped external flash has also been newly added, enabling implementation of basic UI within minimal system resources.

The TouchGFX Designer tool update includes an expanded set of custom widgets, with added features such as Scale and Rotate that enhance drag-and-drop programming.

Custom triggers and actions reduce coding dependency when developing complex functionality, and the Image tab allows users to quickly configure individual properties such as image format, dither algorithm, and layout rotation.

Along with performance improvements that accelerate automatic code generation and reduce loading times, user convenience features for text guidance such as 'Bring-Forward' and 'Send-to-Back' are also included.

The entire TouchGFX suite, including TouchGFX Designer and TouchGFX Engine, is available for free download from the company website.