VS Code: Virtual Environments for Embedded Development with Conda

Developing for an embedded target means using a certain version of GNU compiler, debugger and other tools. The challenge gets bigger if working with multiple different tool chains and environments.

Conda in VS Code

Conda is package, dependency and environment management tool. While it is heavily used for Python and Data Science development, it is surprisingly working very well to set up and managing environments for embedded development. Conda is great for managing non-Python dependencies and setups.

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Upgrading LPC4322-based Debug Probe Firmware on RT10xx

Going with the factory default can be fine. But an upgrade could give a performance boost plus added functionality. Many of the NXP i.MX RT evaluation boards have an LPC4322 based debug circuit on it. One example for this is the i.MX RT1010 board.

NXP i.MX RT1010 EVK

On such boards, one of the first steps I do is: upgrading the firmware and change it to a better option: improved speed, SWO support plus avoiding issues with the USB MSD device.

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VS Code: Importing pre-v2.13.0 MCUXpresso SDK Projects

In my previous article I showed how to import, build and debug MCUXpresso SDK projects in VS Code. In my lectures and labs we are using a robot based on the NXP Kinetis K22FX512 ARM Cortex-M4F microcontroller, and there is only the v2.13.0 SDK available.

INTRO Sumo Robot
Sumo Robot with K22FX512

The software on the robot uses the latest NXP MCUXpresso SDK v2.3.1. The he Eclipse based MCUXpresso IDE 11.8.0 works fine with all the 2.x SDKs, up to the latest 2.13.0 one.

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Solving Linker Error: “cannot move location counter backwards”

Upgrading to a newer GNU toolchain always has its risks. That’s why I always recommend to stay on a given toolchain for production code.

But sometimes one needs to upgrade, or gets a code or project that works in one environment, but not in another. Today I have run into a problem with code read-out projection:

Disabled Automatic Placement of Code Read Protection

Well, the code read-out protection is not the root of the problem, but a good example why problems could occur.

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Integrating Solar-Surplus-Charge-Controller into EV Wallbox

Solar panels and electrical vehicles become more and more common in Switzerland. Ten years ago I installed solar panels. To use the available solar energy, the electrical vehicle charging box has been augmented with an open source charge controller. The controller monitors the building energy usage and adjusts the current using the Modbus connection to the charger.

Integrated Charger Controller into Wallbox
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VS Code: Building the Project

In a previous article I have imported an example project. Now I want to compile and build it.

Traditionally, the build action inside VS Code is somewhat hidden. There is a keyboard shortcut, but recent additions to VS Code making the build action more accessible.

Multiple ways to start a build in Visual Studio Code
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VS Code: MCUXpresso SDK Repository

In a previous article I have installed the MCUXpresso extension and used the MCUXpresso Installer to install the necessary development tools.

In this article I’m going to import the SDK.

Import Repository in VS Code
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Assigning Nicknames to Debug Probes

Dealing with and debugging distributed systems, I end up with multiple debug probes and target boards on my desk. When starting a debugging session, it can be hard to identify a debug probe by its serial number. What I do in such a situation: put a color stick on the debug probe and have it assigned a nickname.

Debug Probes with Nicknames

That nickname then shows up during the debug connection, and I’m sure I connect to the right probe and board that way.

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