MicroGUI allows microcontrollers to use a PC as a GUI without the need for any PC programming. You can rapidly assemble a panel of LEDs, sliders, push buttons, meters, DIP switches, thermometers, DIP LEDs, and so on. Write some simple code (one line for each control type) and the GUI interface is complete. A standard RS-232 link is the only connection needed. If the microcontroller is flash memory-based, then its programming cable will normally double as the link.

The efficient communication configuration has the microcontroller sending raw data and the PC doing all the work. MicroGUI is intended for interaction during application development, local machine interfaces, and low-cost learning about microcontrollers. When substituting the practice of printing debugging messages during development, the advantages are significant. Raw data means fewer bytes and less CPU time. More meaningful analog bars, meters, and even a scope replace scrolling numbers. Plus, in real time, you can change program flow and variable values.

You determine the mix of real and virtual controls. For educators on a small budget, all of the controls initially can be virtual. This means that nothing more than a flash memory-based microcontroller and breadboard are needed to get started. With all the projects stored on disk rather than a breadboard, every student in class can progress at their own pace. No time is lost to finding faults and repairing hardware.

The simple 4/16-channel, analog/digital scope can be event driven for the time independent capture of port pin changes during debugging. It also can be time-driven to profile the ramps and holds of a process.

You can download MicroGUI for $14. It costs $20.50 when purchased on CD. A demo version is available on the company’s web site.

Rhombus
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www.rhombus-tek.com