Version Updates

Flowcode 8

Features Added

Here are some of the new features added in Flowcode 8. Please click on a feature to learn more about it.

• Code Folding

• Icon Grouping

• Simulating Custom C Code

• Custom C Code to Flowchart Conversion

• Coding Paradigms - Flowchart, Blocks, Pseudocode, C Code

• Tab Tear Off - Multi Monitor Support

• Dynamic Updates

• Raspberry Pi Chip Pack

• E-blocks2 Auto ID

• Matrix SCADA

Component changes and additions

CAL components such as ADC, I2C, PWM, SPI and UART are now free to allow for more user-based component creation and library generation.

High-level components created by Matrix are still licensed under the various component feature packs.

We also have made a large selection of component, CAL and FCD updates.

New components

Some of the new components include:

• FAT Based GLCD Bitmap Drawer
• New sensor components
• Network abstraction component for TCP/IP and WIFI modules
• E-block specific categories
• Scenario simulation components and wiki based curriculum
• Graphical LCD Graph drawer
• Arduino style serial terminal - via the console
• Raspberry Pi specific - Console Text Generation, TCP/IP
• Raspberry Pi HDMI gLCD
• Modbus TCP - Master and Slave
• DAC MCP48x1
• HTS221
• ESP12S
• PCF8575
• SHT31 Humidity Sensor
• WAV Playback and Record
• RealSpeak
• Bluetooth RN4677
• Various new Grove sensors
• HBridge CAL

Component improvements

• CAL components are more usable and stand alone, injector, scope and console functionality is now built in making it much easier to build into your own components
• Bitmap Drawer component - more bitmap file formats (Mono, 16-Colour, 256-Colour, 24-bit) and up to ten bitmaps per component
• Servo motor 16-bit mode
• PWM Frequency based Period and Prescaler calculator

Flowcode 7

Performance improvements

• Code Profiling - See which icons are 'hit' or 'missed', and the frequency of execution, to determine bugs/ redundancy in your code

• New 2 channel integrated oscilloscope, with triggering

• New template files for Microchip devices - get you up and running with your projects faster

Visual enhancments

• New modern UI with a choice of dark/ light themes

• Ability to colour code individual flowchart icons for ease of viewing, or select from pre-made colour schemes

• Create, save and load colour schemes for icons

• Overhaul of user interface

• 3D engine graphical improvements

New Toolchain and Compilers

• Support for 32bit PIC microcontrollers

• Support for Microchip XC8, XC16 and XC32 compilers.

• Significantly faster compilation of 8bit Microchip devices (approximately 10 times faster compilation than previous versions)

Licensing structure

• Flexible licensing structure - build a bespoke license exactly to your requirements

• License upgradable at any point to add new features

• Free version available - for a limited number of microcontrollers and feature set

Mechanical Support Improvements

• Users can now import 3D assemblies, rather than individual parts only.

• Support for industry standard file types; STEP and IGES

Testing

• Access readings and data from external instruments using DLL support. Display data with dashboard HMIs or third party software.

• Use our EB006 multiprogrammer, EB091 or Flowkit v2 to monitor every pin on your PICmicro design, and monitor and interpret serial data I/O using Ghost Technology.

Flowcode 6

Component Creator

• Now you can design your own electronic components and add them to your component library. You can use simulation API calls to define the electrical behaviour and mechanical behaviour in simulation.

• The component library has been expanded considerably to include many new electronic components and simulation components. Components can be designed and shared on our website.

• In addition to PCB style components you now have access to panel mounted switches, meters and displays for industrial control.

• Customise or create Dashboard components like graphs, dials and meters to allow you to monitor how your system is functioning in simulation and In-Circuit Test.

Simulation

• Improvements in simulation speed means that your simulation works close to real time which allows you to verify your design ‘live’.

• The powerful API allows control of simulation events and components providing a wide range of PC-side functions.

• Human Machine Interface components show your system parameters during simulation and In-Circuit-Test using intuitive displays including meters, graphs, oscillograms and tables.

• Use text based consoles to see data passing around your system: perfect for designing systems with digital communications.

Mechanical Support

• Import 3D models and characterise the movement and simulation using API.

• Use the system panel to design your own simple 3D model. View your design from different angles whilst it simulates.

• Create low cost parts with laser cutters and 3D printers and see the parts working with your electronics on-screen.

• Create simulations of your model which move in 3D space under electrical stimulus from a microcontroller and other components in your system. Use 2D dashboard controls to monitor your system in real time.

Testing

• Access readings and data from external instruments using DLL support. Display data with dashboard HMIs or third party software.

• Use our new EB006 multiprogrammer to monitor every pin on your PICmicro design, and monitor and interpret serial data I/O.

• Monitor how your system is functioning in simulation and In-Circuit-Test. Use new components like graphs, meters, consoles and scrolling text boxes to verify your design.

• Use Softscope and Consoles to see data in waveform or textual formats. Use the API to translate incoming data to hex or ASCII equivalent. Link Softscope and consoles to third party hardware using DLLs to create a full SCADA system.