Arm takes Embedded Software Development to the next level with introduction of Keil MDK Version 6

The IoT runs on Arm, look at the Cortex-M processor family, which is undoubtedly the de-facto industry standard for embedded compute with over 9,500 different microcontrollers from 38 different silicon vendors available today. The demand for more machine learning (ML) capabilities in IoT applications is growing exponentially, and our roadmap has evolved to meet these needs with the introduction of the Cortex-M55 and Cortex-M85 microcontrollers (MCUs), designed to address high-performance ML and DSP workloads, and Neural Processing Units such as the Ethos-U microNPU family which accelerates ML inference in resource-constrained embedded and IoT devices.

As IoT devices get smarter, developers are facing increasing software complexity that requires new development flows that create optimized ML models combined with efficient device drivers. It is therefore crucial that the software development platforms and tools we are providing to the ecosystem are evolving alongside our processor roadmap. The Keil Microcontroller Development Kit (Keil MDK) is the most comprehensive software development solution for Arm Cortex-M-based embedded, IoT, and ML edge device applications, and today I am excited to share that we are releasing Keil MDK Version 6, optimized for the entire Arm Cortex-M and Ethos-U processor portfolio. The compute capabilities of today’s microcontrollers require MLOps for deploying machine learning models and DevOps for validating complex software workloads.

Keil MDK Version 6 addresses these needs by extending to include:

• Keil Studio Desktop, an extension pack for Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code) provides an integrated development environment (IDE) for Cortex-M-based microcontrollers. With full support of CMSIS workflows and an integrated debugger, it includes components to create, build, and test embedded applications on Windows, Linux, and macOS host computers. VS Code integrates with Git version control and offers a rich set of third-party extensions. This makes MDK Version 6 a flexible and extensible development platform for any embedded IoT or ML project.

• CMSIS-based development flows with the CMSIS-Toolbox is a critical element of Keil MDK Version 6. It starts with a device or board selection that configures the complete toolchain including debug, and gives access to reusable software components including various RTOS kernels, device drivers, and middleware. CMSIS also provides compute and machine learning libraries that are optimized for the entire Cortex-M processor portfolio. The new CMSIS-View component implements event-based software verification including execution-time analysis which is also used to determine the best matching ML models for the application.

• Enhanced integration of Arm Virtual Hardware (AVH) removes the need to develop on physical silicon, virtualizing a complete SoC subsystem based on Arm processors, enables test automation of software workloads with precise Cortex-M simulation models. The Keil MDK integration supports test case development and verification on desktop systems. Combining desktop and cloud-based workflows allows developers to embrace CI/CD, DevOps, and MLOps core concepts and a software first development approach. AVH is available in multiple deployments such as GitHub, Qeexo AutoML, Keil Studio Cloud, and AWS AMI for flexible cloud access.

Along with newly introduced host support for Windows, Linux, and macOS, MDK Version 6 continues to include the proven µVision IDE for Windows and features for functional safety. Embedded systems frequently require several years of product longevity and MDK supports the entire product lifecycle from initiation to completion and maintenance. Keil Studio Cloud continues to complement the MDK desktop tools with a ready-to-use cloud-native development environment that requires no installation.

Arm and its ecosystem partners are addressing the challenge of growing software complexity by empowering embedded and IoT developers with unified workflows that work across a range of toolchains and standardized software components. Having a choice between different toolchains, software components, and IDEs makes Arm processors the perfect fit for embedded applications – Keil MDK Version 6 is a critical milestone in our continued journey to building the future of IoT on Arm.

You can preview the new Keil MDK Version 6 at Embedded World, Nuremberg on 14-16 March – Arm will be in Hall 4, Stand 4-504.

[CTAToken URL = "https://www2.keil.com/" target="_blank" text="Access Keil MDK Version 6" class ="green"]

Ecosystem support:

“Millions of developers and companies around the world rely on GitHub for software development, and coding standards compliance (e.g. AUTOSAR, CERT, & MISRA) across a range of applications. Combining Keil MDK, Arm Virtual Hardware, and GitHub CodeQL with GitHub Actions gives an efficient and lean CI/CD workflow for faster development of reliable embedded systems.” Clay Nelson, Vice President of Sales, GitHub.

"Arm and Microsoft have a long-standing partnership on many fronts. We are excited that the Keil MDK extensions are available to millions of developers using Visual Studio Code. With the extensive CMSIS ecosystem and Arm Virtual Hardware support in GitHub Actions, this solution is ideal for embedded developers." Amanda Silver, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft.

"Qeexo AutoML is designed to make machine learning accessible to a wider range of users, including businesses, researchers, and developers who may not have deep knowledge of ML. Based on sensor data, Qeexo AutoML automatically builds machine learning solutions that are optimized for Arm processors and is used in building a wide variety of applications including: industrial, mobile, home IoT, medical, and automotive. Combined with Keil MDK and Arm Virtual Hardware, the complete end-to-end ML workflow for embedded developers is now easier than ever.” Michael Gamble, Director Product Management, TDK Qeexo.

“ST is committed to innovation and development accelerators that support our broad STM32 product portfolio, rich ecosystem, and application-support infrastructure. Keil MDK version 6 with its flexibility and wide set of extensions is an important development platform for our user base and the new enhancements will be valuable to the entire community.” Daniel Colonna, Marketing Director Microcontrollers, STMicroelectronics.