Qt Group has introduced the discharge of its graphical consumer interface (GUI) software framework Qt for MCUs (Microcontroller Items) model 2.9, delivering assist for Zephyr-compatible units and generic Linux techniques alongside a brand new digital keyboard module — whereas teasing Qt for MCUs 2.10, which can deliver a light-weight mapping system in March subsequent 12 months.
“We’re excited to announce Qt for MCUs 2.9, which comes with many key options to allow Qt for MCUs to assist extra use instances within the IoT [Internet of Things], client, and automotive segments,” says Qt Group’s Sumitabh Ghosh of the brand new launch. “Should you’re an present Qt for MCUs developer, you may obtain Qt for MCUs 2.9 from the Qt Upkeep Instrument, situated on the root of your Qt for MCUs set up listing.”
First launched in 1995, the Qt framework helps a variety of platforms from Microsoft’s Home windows and Apple’s macOS to Linux and QNX — whereas Qt for MCUs, because the identify implies, presents a resource-light tackle the undertaking particularly focusing on microcontroller platforms. This now, Ghosh explains, now features a generic backend assist the Zephyr real-time working system (RTOS) — with assist for {hardware} acceleration on NXP’s RT i.MX RT1050, RT1060, and RT1064 crossover microcontrollers.
The brand new launch additionally brings assist for generic Linux distributions working on mciroprocessor models, together with single-board computer systems. “This implies,” Ghosh explains, “QT Fast Ultralite functions can now run on any system working a Linux [kernel] which contains a linuxFB or a DRM graphics backend” — together with entry-level {hardware} missing an on-board 3D graphics accelerator. The digital keyboard module, in the meantime, has been promoted to a secure characteristic launch with assist for customized layouts and new languages — on high of the 39 languages included at launch.
The brand new launch additionally features a feature-complete digital keyboard module, supporting 39 languages. (📹: Qt Group)
For the automotive and industrial sectors, in the meantime, Qt for MCUs 2.9 brings a technical preview of the Qt Secure Renderer’s secure monitoring characteristic — designed for tasks with useful security necessities, during which gadgets marked as secure are constantly checked for correct operation. “Keep tuned for an official Qt Secure Render launch (2.2),” Ghosh guarantees, “which can add the assist of remaining Qt Secure Renderer options.”
Different enhancements within the new launch embrace an up-to-four-percent discount in flash footprint for Qt Fast Ultralite functions via improved optimization, {hardware} accelerated JPEG decoding on Renesas’ RHA850 D1M1A microcontroller, an improved platform porting information, and a course on growing with Qt for MCUs utilizing Espressif’s ESP32-S3-BOX-3 as a goal.
A technical preview of useful security options can also be included, with a full launch to observe. (📹: Qt Group)
Ghosh has additionally teased options for the upcoming Qt for MCUs 2.10 launch, due in March 2025, which can embrace QT Location for MCUs — “a lighter different [to] Qt Location APIs,” he explains, “to render maps on microcontroller-powered instrument clusters and wearable units” — and assist for the Infineon Traveo T2G 6M_Lite analysis equipment through the Infineon ModusToolbox toolchain.
Extra info on the brand new launch is offered on the Qt Group web site, with the total framework out there to obtain as a 10-day trial for business customers or a free Neighborhood Version for open-source tasks.
