STMicroelectronics announced that it has released version 4.20 of its TouchGFX user-interface design software for STM32 microcontrollers. The new updates include support for ST's new NeoChrom graphics accelerator, which is integrated in advanced MCUs such as the new STM32U5 series. Developed from ST's Chrom-ART Accelerator™ that manipulates pixels and shapes, NeoChrom allows full-screen rotation at any angle and supports texture mapping for smooth, fluid graphics and enhanced ease of use.

With the NeoChrom accelerator on-chip, the new STM32 MCUs elevate embedded graphics performance to that approaching the application processors of smartphones and tablets. On the other hand, the MCUs are more affordable, power efficient, and easier to use. They can run on simple operating systems such as FreeRTOS and Microsoft® Azure ThreadX, or even bare metal.

TouchGFX 4.20 adds further important new features for developers, including support for importing and exporting custom widgets. The environment comprises TouchGFXDesigner, the graphical development tool, and X-CUBE-TOUCHGFX embedded software, which provides all the firmware needed to run the user interface on the target MCU. Fully integrated with the STM32Cube MCU-development ecosystem, TouchGFX provides a complete end-to-end workflow that simplifies design and accelerates time to market.