Requirements to Create Graphics Applications using the MLA

This page contains information for the Graphics Library found in Microchip Libraries for Applications (MLA). It is not relevant for the MPLAB^^®^^ Harmony Graphics Library.

Requirements to Run

An MLA graphics enabled embedded application requires four essential functions:

  1. 16-bit PIC® MCU running your application program and MLA graphics software (PIC32 devices use the MPLAB Harmony Graphics Library). Under CPU control the graphics software renders the screen image for output.
  2. Frame Buffer Memory – this dual port memory receives the image from the processor and holds it for display.
  3. Graphics Controller – takes the content of the frame buffer memory and sends it to the graphics display. The speed at which the graphics controller works depends upon the resolution of the display and the refresh rate required by the display.
  4. Graphics Display – Displays the information received from the graphics controller.
requiredgfx_functions.png
Figure 1

Figure 1 shows each of the four graphics functions being performed by separate devices. While these four functions are required, it may not be necessary to separate the functions into four different devices. Microchip supports several products and configurations which allow some of these functions to be combined into single devices. Below are some of these possible combinations:

combined_display_module.png
Figure 2
Graphics Subsystem (Display, Frame Buffer, and Controller) sold as a separate module connected directly to a PIC MCU's parallel master bus
two_modules.png
Figure 3
Frame Buffer and Graphics Controller on a module with the module directly connected to the display.
combined_Frame_buffergfx_conroller.png
Figure 4
Frame buffer contained within the Graphics Controller
cpu_with_controller.png
Figure 5
Low cost solution with the Graphics controller functions and some frame buffer memory contained within the CPU. The PIC24FxxxDA family contains a graphics controller and some frame buffer memory on board.

Requirements to Develop

demoboard.png

1 Development Board and Display

To develop PIC MCU-based graphics applications, you will need a set of development platforms from Microchip which perform the above four functions and are capable of running under Microchip’s MLA graphics library. Microchip offers a variety of platforms supporting various MCUs, graphics controllers and displays. The list and combination of currently available boards/displays are subject to change. Please check The Graphics Development Tools page to get an up-to-date list of available tools.

The examples and software used in this tutorial are designed to work on any Microchip supported supported platform.

tools.png

2 Programmer/Debugger

You will need to obtain a programmer/debugger to download your application to the development board. Since MLA applications can be quite large, it is recommended that you select either an MPLAB REAL ICE™ or MPLAB ICD due to their fast programming capability. If you have selected a starter kit as your development board, you do not have to obtain a programmer/debugger. Starter kits contain onboard programming and debugging capabilities.
The PICkit™ programmer/debugger is capable of programming and debugging graphics applications but is not recommended due to its slower programming speed.

3 Software

You will need to download and the following software to develop an MLA graphics application:

Software Tools

Tool About Installers
Installation
Instructions
Windows Linux Mac OSX
MPLAB® X
Integrated Development Environment
MPLAB® XC16
C Compiler
MLA
Microchip Libraries for Applications
© 2024 Microchip Technology, Inc.
Notice: ARM and Cortex are the registered trademarks of ARM Limited in the EU and other countries.
Information contained on this site regarding device applications and the like is provided only for your convenience and may be superseded by updates. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application meets with your specifications. MICROCHIP MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, RELATED TO THE INFORMATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ITS CONDITION, QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE. Microchip disclaims all liability arising from this information and its use. Use of Microchip devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at the buyer's risk, and the buyer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Microchip from any and all damages, claims, suits, or expenses resulting from such use. No licenses are conveyed, implicitly or otherwise, under any Microchip intellectual property rights.