Modern applications are increasingly incorporating graphical user interfaces (GUIs) into electronic devices to enhance the user experience by providing intuitive and visual interactions.

Microchip Technology (hereafter referred to as Microchip) announced on the 20th that it has released the Microchip Graphics Suite (MGS), a comprehensive solution that easily integrates GUI, animation, and images into touchscreen displays to support this.

GUI development is a complex process that requires considerable time and resources to debug and integrate code across various tools. MGS integrates easily with Microchip's 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) and microprocessors (MPUs) and supports a variety of development platforms, including MPLAB Harmony v3 and Linux environments.

The comprehensive GUI interface construction solution launched this time aims to increase reusability across projects and simplify design complexity during the development process.

MGS provides configuration tools including a simulator that allows prototyping without hardware. This simulator leverages MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) to build C code generated from MCC in either web or native mode.

Web mode generates HTML files that simulate touch interactions in most web browsers, while native mode allows you to debug the GUI on a Windows desktop computer. These features enable accurate display and feature demonstrations without requiring hardware.

MGS offers an intuitive and modern WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface, allowing users to directly view and manipulate the final output, reducing errors and increasing efficiency. Furthermore, MGS supports a wide range of performance requirements, from low-end devices with limited memory and system performance to high-end devices with tablet-sized touchscreens capable of high-resolution video playback.

This solution is optimized for developers seeking superior graphics performance without costly hardware upgrades and supports a variety of display options. Supported displays range from monochrome OLEDs to 1080p 16.7M-color TFTs, and touchscreens supporting 2D and 3D gestures, including MIPI DSI, LVDS, RGB, SPI, and HDMI interfaces.

Our comprehensive solution simplifies GUI integration across a wide range of applications, from design through implementation. The MGS is highly compatible with Microchip's PIC32 MCU, SAM MPU and maXTouch touchscreen controller families, and comes with other key components including memory, power management and connectivity solutions.

“Microchip is committed to providing our customers with comprehensive solutions and cutting-edge tools to help them get quality products to market faster,” said Rod Drake, vice president of Microchip’s 32-bit MCU/MPU business unit. “This innovative tool suite will help make it easier to implement attractive, responsive displays in everything from smart home devices to industrial equipment.”