Getting Started with KEIL MDK ARM Plus: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

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KEIL Microcontroller Development Kit (MDK) is an integrated development environment (IDE) designed for developing embedded systems on microcontrollers from leading manufacturers such as Arm and others. In this article, we will focus specifically on setting up KEIL MDK ARM Plus for use with your chosen device.

Prerequisites

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Before proceeding with the installation process, ensure that you have a compatible computer running Windows 7 or later (32-bit/64-bit) operating system installed. Additionally, it is recommended to uninstall any existing versions of KEARM or KEIL µVision before installing MDK ARM Plus.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

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### Step 1: Download and Install KEIL MDK

To begin with the installation process:

1. Visit 'KEIL's official website'(https://www.keil.com/arm/mdk5/overview.htm) to download the latest version of KEIL MDK ARM Plus.

2. Run the downloaded installer (e.g., `MDK-ARM-IDE- v5.23.exe` for Windows).

3. Follow the installation wizard prompts carefully, selecting both 'Keil MDK Arm' and 'Arm Compiler' components as a minimum.

### Step Pack Installer

Once installed successfully, double-click on the KEIL pack installer icon to launch it automatically or search for `PackInstaller.exe` in your Start/Programs (Windows) or Applications directory:

1. Select your target device from the list of available options by clicking on '...' next with mouse pointer over desired board name.

For example:

- If you have an Arm Cortex-M4F Microcontroller Discovery Kit, select `Cortex_M4F-Discovery_Revision2x` under Arm Keil MDSTM > KeilMDKARM

2. After selecting your device type from the drop-down menu, click on 'Next' to proceed further with installation process.

### Step 3: Install Device Family Pack (DFP)

After successful completion of previous steps:

1. On the next window that appears titled 'Selecting Software Packs', ensure all checkboxes are checked under both Arm Cortex-A and/or Arm Cortex-M, depending upon your target microcontroller family.

2. Click on 'Next' to proceed with installation.

### Step 4: Install Additional Components

Depending on your specific requirements, you may need additional components such as:

* KEIL µVision IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

* Arm CMSIS (Cortex Microprocessor Interface Standard) Peripheral Library

* KEIL MDK-Professional Middleware

To install these optional components:

1. Launch the KEIL Component Inspector by double-clicking on its icon or searching for `ComponentInspector.exe` in Start/Programs (Windows).

2. In the component list, checkmark any additional items you wish to include and click 'Next'.

3. Follow through with installation wizard prompts until all chosen components have been successfully installed.

### Step 5: Activate Commercial License

If you have purchased a commercial license for KEIL MDK ARM Plus:

1. Launch KEIL µVision IDE by double-clicking on its icon or searching for `uvdiscovery.exe` in Start/Programs (Windows).

2. Upon first launch, the 'KEIL μVision Activation dialog box' will appear.

3. Enter your serial number and activation key provided with your purchase to activate your commercial license.

Troubleshooting Tips

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If you encounter any issues during installation or post-installation:

* Ensure that .NET Framework 4.5 (or higher) is installed on your system before running KEIL MDK ARM Plus.

* Check the 'KEIL support forum'(https://forum.keil.com/boards/) for similar problems and their respective solutions.

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With these comprehensive steps, you should now be able to successfully install and set up KEIL MDK ARM Plus on your Windows-based system. Remember to refer back to this guide whenever necessary as new features or updates may become available in future releases of the IDE. Happy development!

Keil mdk arm plus