NeoChrom/GPU2D registers documentation

[robvos]

Will this peripheral ever be documented in detail? i.e. registers, interrupts, etc.

Or even a lightweight/low level library would be acceptable.

We may choose STM32U5 for a product but not if we are forced to use TouchGFX for good performance.

[robvos]

I suppose no reply means "No"? That's fine, but an official response would be appreciated.

[GaetanGodart]

Hello @robvos ,

The NeoChrom GPU documentation will not be made public.
ST partners providing GUI libs supporting STM32 with NeoChrom GPU have access and have already, or are working on, utilizing NeoChrom GPU capabilities to its full extend.

Hope this helps. :smiling_face_with_smiling_eyes:

[DmitryR]

Hi robvos,

I just want to support you, as I have to complete a relatively complex HMI recently. I was considering TouchGFX, but have found it too rudimental in compare to other libraries. I have instead planned to add a support for NeoChrom to the library I have chosen, but now I will probably need to choose other MCU for HMI.

Regards,

Dmitry

[Jack3]

I really was waiting for ST's GPU2D announcement for a new line of products we are preparing for.

So we purchased the STM32U5G9J-DK2 to see how useful the GPU2D could be for our newest products (maritime industry). There is a great demo that shows improved performance while offloading the MCU.
Currently, we use a lot of STM32s in designs because I really liked these MCU's.
As a lead engineer I started to use them in al new projects, replacing all PIC-base products.

While we have to live with the fact that the GPU2D can't be documented in the reference manual, as it is an IP of vendor Think Silicon, which decides those rules, the great thing is ST can provide us with the NeoChromSDK, so we can still use the GPU2D, making STM32 a great choice for GUI applications, even if you don't use TouchGFX!

[TDJ]

@Jack3 It is OK for any company to release a product with or without documentation as long as transparency is maintained and customers are not being misled. I am afraid GPU2D unprecedented case is not an example of such good business practice. Why? An official statement on this subject is nowhere available. It takes lots of search to learn about this new disappointing ST marketing strategy.

[TDJ]

@GaetanGodart', Your response above states that ST's partners already "are working on utilizing NeoChrom GPU capabilities to its full extend". Who are those partners? We do not know, but clearly it is no longer us - mere engineers who once trusted ST Microelectronics. Of course, you have reasons to be happy. Your team's job is guaranteed for years to come but the ending statement "Hope this helps :)" in this thread context I perceive as a bit cynical. Consider that we are very upset here although I do recognize that this decision may be dictated by ST's effort to motivate those who are able to quickly produce high quality software packages and adequate support rather than desire to gain additional profit from license sale and partnership fees.

[DmitryR]

Hi TDJ,

I have just attended the ST´s webinar concerning HMI on the newest MCU´s, and I can say that it is a pure shame. 50% time devoted to reading presentations, 50% time devoted to approve the obvious fact that hardware acceleration works really better that CPU. No study how to build effective HMI with TouchGFX, just loading the predefined example project to U5x9 and H7 boards and comparing results. I see that TouchGFX team has really nothing to promise.

And to your question "who are those partners" is the answer: Microsoft with their Azure GUIX is NOT this partner.

Regards,

Dmitry

[TDJ]

@DmitryR Unfortunately, this is what typically happens when engineering company starts to be dominated by marketing and their clever practices. For some time such strategy seems to work, sales numbers look good, engineering support costs can be reduced, top managers get promotions and bonuses so they keep pretending everything is great. And then one day it begins to collapse. It is sad to see signs ST is heading this direction.

[DmitryR]

Hi TDJ,

I would not say that this happens with STM right as you suppose. In my opinion STM still has some strong advantages in microcontrollers, but the situation with Neochrom and TouchGFX should definitely be corrected. TouchGFX command works not really good and they should be stimulated instead of giving them preferences.

Regards,

Dmitry