1. Class 1: An Introduction to MCU Software Development
MCU Software Development- A Step by Step Guide (Using a Real Eval Board)
Class 1: An Introduction to MCU Software Development
9/22/2014
Warren Miller

2. This Week’s Agenda
9/22/14 An Intro to MCU Software Development 9/23/14 An Intro to the Atmel XMEGA Eval 9/24/14 Understanding Software Development 9/25/14 Digging Deeper into the Tools 9/26/14 An Example Design- in Detail

3. Course Description
Are you interested in learning how to develop software for MCUs?
Need a refresher on the newest trends in MCU software tools?
Would using a real development board as part of the learning process help?
You are in luck! This class will use the Atmel AVR XMEGA Xplained evaluation kit and free downloadable software to take you step-by-step thru the modern MCU software development process.

4. Class #1 An Introduction to MCU Software Development
A quick overview of the main software tools used in MCU development
A focus on tools that can be used with the Atmel XMEGA AVR and the associated evaluation board
The general concepts apply to virtually and MCU.
This class will use the Atmel XMEGA MCU family and the associated evaluation board as an example target for our software development efforts. The interactions between the CPU and many common peripherals will set the stage for designing software efficiently with a wide range MCUs.

5. Todays Goals and Objectives
Understand what this Class Covers
Understand the overall software tool flow
Understand the key elements for developing software with the Atmel AVR XMEGA Eval Kit

6. Key Elements for Development
Target MCU
IDE
Code Examples
Evaluation Kit
Development Board
Reference Designs
Programming
Debug
Libraries
Drivers
RTOS
BSDL Files
IBIS Files
Users Manuals
App Notes
Boot Loader

7. Development Flow Overview
MCU Selection
Pick Your MCU
Write code in “C” or Assembly
Compile and Test (Simulate)
Trace
Program
Debug
Write Code
Compile/Test
Trace
Program
In-Circuit Debug

8. MCU Selection Pick Your MCU Use web based selectors
Focus on peripherals, performance, pin-out options, package size and upgrade paths
Availability too!
Write Code
Compile/Test
Trace
Program
In-Circuit Debug

9. Write Code Create your program Use an IDE Program in “C” or Assembly
MCU Selection
Create your program
Use an IDE
Program in “C” or Assembly
Context aware editing
Use libraries
Use example designs
Use reference designs
Do as little as possible…
Write Code
Compile/Test
Trace
Program
In-Circuit Debug

10. Compile and Test Know your compiler Try alternative approaches
MCU Selection
Know your compiler
Optimizations
Code size vs. Speed
Overhead (printf)
Try alternative approaches
Case vs. nested If
Tables vs. Branching
Simulation for Testing
Invest in tool knowledge
Program
Compile/Test
Trace
Program
In-Circuit Debug

11. Trace Profile program execution Executing as expected?
MCU Selection
Profile program execution
Executing as expected?
Where is time being spent?
Where is power being used?
What code isn’t being executed?
Testing complete?
Interrupts?
Low Power modes?
Program
Compile/Test
Trace
Program
In-Circuit Debug

12. Program and In-Circuit Debug
MCU Selection
Program the MCU
Programming during development vs. in the field
Boot loader
Debug in Real Time
Facilities?
Break points
Overhead
Header
Program
Compile/Test
Trace
Program
In-Circuit Debug

13. Atmel Studio 6 ARM and AVR Context aware editing
Atmel Software Framework
Qtouch Composer
Gallery
Atmel Spaces
Training

14. Additional Software Resources
Intro to Studio 6
Project Build
ASF Design Videos
Using the Simulator in Studio 6
Optimization
Debugging

15. Evaluation Board Use the board to test out design flow
Example designs are helpful in getting started
Enough hardware to try out your own design
Evaluation vs. Development Boards

16. For Next Time Download and Install the Design Software
Run an example design to prove out the install
Review the various windows available in the IDE
Extra Credit- Try out the board

17. Additional Resources
Atmel AVR XMEGA-A3BU Xplained Web Page
Atmel AVR XMEGA-A3BU Xplained Getting Started Guide
XMEGA-A3BU Software User Guide
Order your kit from Digi-Key to follow along in the class- Optional, not a class requirement

18. This Week’s Agenda
9/22/14 An Intro to MCU Software Development 9/23/14 An Intro to the Atmel XMEGA Eval 9/24/14 Understanding Software Development 9/25/14 Digging Deeper into the Tools 9/26/14 An Example Design- in Detail