FAQ

• Is Realizer compatible with Windows 7?
  
  • Yes, we have tested Realizer with Windows 7 and found no serious errors.
    
    Beware however that if you are about to update from an older version, you may find troubles getting the parallel dongle working under W7.
    
    We advise you to switch over to a USB Dongle. Contact us for an offer to swap dongles.
    New licenses are all delivered with a USB-dongle.
• Is Realizer compatible with Windows 8 or 8.1?
  
  • Yes, the latest USB dongle drivers are supported in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.
    
    The parallel port dongle is no longer supported.
• I installed an update of Realizer, but the new devices are not shown
  
  • Realizer creates a file in the Windows directory. Windows Vista and Windows 7 do not allow this, they move the file to a new location.
    When installing an update it is possible that this file is not overwritten. For the time being you may need to remove this file before installing an update.
    
    This file is located in:
    \Users\<user name>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Windows\
    • For Realizer Silver V4.3 look for the file reals43.ini,
    • for Realizer Silver V4.4: reals44.ini
    • for Realizer Gold v4.3: realg43.ini
    • for Realizer Gold v4.4: realg44.ini
• NOD32 gives a virus report when installing Realizer
  
  • The NOD32 virus scanner reports a possible virus when installing Realizer Build 104. This report is not correct. All our applications are protected and this protection uses an encryption algorithm which may look like a virus.
    All other known virus scanners will not report a virus.
• Why does the shape of my selected device differ from the datasheet
  
  • Some devices have several shapes, for instance the ST72F324J6 come in two shapes, a 44 pins TQFP (ST72F324T6) and a 42 pins SDIP (ST72F324B5).
    
    The processor core and the number of I/O pins are the same for both. So software for one shape will also work in the other shape.
    
    Within Realizer we support the basic core. For the simulator and for the report file we have chosen a shape. As a guideline we choose the shape with the most pins. It may occur that the shape you see is not the shape you would expect.
    
    Do not worry about that, the software is 100% compatible.
• Should I remove power before connecting the FP100
  
  • Yes,
    
    always remove power before connecting or disconnecting the FP100. There is a chance that, when connecting or disconnecting, unwanted power surges may occur.
    
    Also always take ESD safety measurements, the ICP connector on your board is connected directly to the micro controller. An ESD discharge can damage the micro controller on your board.
• What is the output format that Realizer produces?
  
  • Generally, the final Realizer output has the same properties (format, file type, encoding) as the standard tools that are delivered from the device manufacturer (assembler, evaluation board).
• Simulator does not show the expected results
  
  • What you may have overlooked is that the simulation mode is in "Target time". This means that every cycle of the micro is ran and displayed.
    During this mode the elapsed time according to the controller is displayed, not your personal idea of elapsed time (your clock hanging on the wall).
    If you change the mode to "Host time", the simulation is more interactive. To do so chose the menu:
    Options -> Simulate
    and set "Timing mode" to "Host time".
• The simulator crashed when opening or creating a simulation environment
  
  • When using a frequency below 1 MHz the ST7 Simulation engine will crash, causing a crash of the simulator.
    
    The frequency can be changed in the Project->Hardware settings dialog.
• Where can I download the FP100 software
  
  • If you are a customer, we kindly ask you to send your username and product number.
    
    We will then check your information and lift your status from Friend to Customer. After that, you are able to access much more information, including the FP100 software.
• Where can I download the Control-Tutor software
  
  • If you are a customer, we kindly ask you to send your username and product number.
    
    We will then check your information and lift your status from Friend to Customer. After that, you are able to access much more information, including the Control-Tutor software.
• Where can I find the Control-Tutor USB drivers
  
  • The drivers are installed along with the Control-Tutor software.
    
    When using the default path they are located at:
    c:\program files\control-tutor\drivers
• Windows XP problem with old version FP100
  
  • This is possible with the FP100-Y8 without all modifications done. Only solution is to send it back to Actum for at least modification M3.
• USB driver problems with old version of the FP100
  
  • This is possible with the FP100-Y8 without all modifications done. For FP100-Y8/M1 use USB drivers following release IBB0525101, PC tool IBB0524301.
• About the DLL interface (API): can we expect as much control through DLL commands as we would have if we used the FP100 programmer software?
  
  • The DLL interface is based on complete FP100 projects. These projects are build using the FP100programmer tool.
• About the DLL Interface (API): when programming the device through the DLL commands, do we have to upload to the programmer 3 seperate files ( data, option and code files ), or is it just one file to upload?
  
  • You just select the project file and the DLL will upload all nessesary files. Within this project references are made to the S19 files.
• About the DLL interface (API): can the target device be selected through the DLL commands?
  
  • No, the project file defines the target.
• Does the FP100 work in detached mode with target boards that use a 3.3.V supply voltage?
  
  • It is not possible. This has to do with the choice we made for the internal processor. That part only works at 5VDC. Future models may be introduced to solve this, if demands are there. Please provide feedback on this.
• What is the max cable connection length between the programmer and the device to be programmed?
  
  • No specification available. It depends on the EMC environment of the FP100 and targetboard. The standard product is equipped with a flat cable with a length of 200 mm. A small part of this is actually inside the housing. One can trust that there is a minimum of distance of 170 mm between housing and IDC-socket.
• I moved my project to another location and now the analyser fails
  
  • There is a known issue in the ST7 compiler, it does not handle long directory names correctly. Also many sub directories can cause this failure.
    
    Try moving your project to another (simpler) directory.
• Can you give me an example on how to use a peripheral?
  
  • Within the Examples directory, supplied with the installation, per target a directory is placed with basic examples on how to use a peripheral.
    
    Using this example along with the data sheet of the micro controller, you can build the functionality you need.
• How does the port interrupt of the ST7Lite work?
  
  • The ST7Lite devices have a special way of handle the port interrupts.
    
    When you select a input with pull-up and the same pin is listed as interrupt pin the port sheet of the hardware settings, the interrupt is automatically enabled. PA7 is by default an interrupt pin.
    
    So avoid a combination of input with pull-up and interrupt port selection on the same port.
• Can I monitor fast signals in the simulator?
  
  • The simulation objects have a minimum time base of 100 micro seconds. So the fastest signal you can monitor is 5 KHz.
• The PWM of the ST7Lite1x/2x does not work?
  
  • To change the dutycycle of the PWM, you need to write the TRAN bit in the ART registers also.
    
    Please check the ST7 datasheet for more information.
• The simulator reports "A watchdog reset has occurred"
  
  • When you, for instance, enable and use the I2C peripheral, the simulator is not able to simulate the external I2C device.
    
    So waiting for this device, as it does in the 'real world' can cause a hang-up and the watchdog will cause a reset.
• What symbols do I get with Realizer?
  
  • An overview of all the symbols provided with Realizer is listed in the user's guide. It is also in the file symlib.hlp, a standard Windows help-file. This help-file is copied to your PC when installing your version of Realizer.
    
    The user's guide of the latest version of Realizer (which includes all symbols that are delivered with the latest version) can be downloaded from our website.
    
    All symbols are designed and tested at Actum Solution’s software test-lab. We are working continuously on the symbol set. If you have any specific need for special symbols, please inform us. We might be working on one that could help you with your design. New symbols will be released with the next version of Realizer.
• I have upgraded/updated my Realizer. Can I use my old Realizer target modules with my upgraded/updated Realizer?
  
  • No, that is not possible.
    
    When you upgrade your Realizer (e.g. from Silver to Gold), you have to upgrade your target modules also: you can't use target modules for Realizer Silver within Realizer Gold.
    
    The same is true for updates. If you update your Realizer (e.g. from V4.2 to V4.3), you have to update the target modules also: you can't use target modules for one Realizer version within another Realizer version.
• Must I pay for an upgrade that’s released just after I bought a Realizer?
  
  • Versions released within the standard 3 months support period will be sent to you free of charge.
• How can I upgrade from ST-Realizer?
  
  • When upgrading from ST6-Realizer, ST-Realizer or ST-Realizer II to the Silver or Gold model, we have an upgrade-offer for you. In short: you’ll receive a discount of 10 percent on your new Realizer.
• Can I have an educational discount?
  
  • We do acknowledge the different status of educational institutes compared to the industry. That's why we do give educational discount to these institutes if Realizer is indeed used for educational purposes. We therefore need to be informed about:
    
    • The (status) of the educational institute or organisation itself.
    • We need to be informed about the training/course that is going to be given (syllabi or other course material).
    • The target group or classes that will receive the courses.
    If we can be informed according to the above, we can supply and support the lecturer with Realizer products.
• My new PC does not have a parallel port?
  
  • We currently ship USB copy protection devices.
    
    If your copy protection device is a parallel version and you want to exchange it for a USB version, please contact us.
• Please advice how to get a spare or backup hardware key so if the one we have fail we can continue working without loosing time.
  
  • Please note that the key is in essence the physical carrier of your licence to use the software package. So to be short: we do not offer (free) replacements. Once it is broken or lost in an other way, you do not have the licence anymore.
    
    To address the need that you express, there is always the opportunity to buy an extra licence. We have customers that do that, just to have a back-up. With the same effort they have the ability to have two people work with Realizer.
• How can I contact Actum Solutions for support?
  
  • Due to the widely spread use of Internet, we have focussed our support and direct sales on Internet. You can contact support by email at support@actum.com.
    
    If you have a problem while working on a certain project with Realizer, please e-mail the project to our support. This way, the support engineers can have a look at your project and work on the problem more efficient. When you do e-mail us your project, zip the project-directory first, and attach it to the e-mail message.
    
    You can also use our support request form for contacting support, see 'Customer Service' - 'Support Question'. We are able to respond within 48 hours during working days. On public (local) holidays, support questions will be answered on the next working day.
• What kind of support do I get?
  
  • Each license comes with a limited warranty for a period of 3 months. During this time users are supported with the installation and getting started with the software. For detailed information, check the End User License.
    However, users are urged to send us descriptions of any malfunctioning or problems during the use of Realizer. It helps us on our way to optimize the product and to determine new features of the product for the future.
• I get a messages from my protection device (hardlock). What must I do?
  
  • 21: CANNOT_OPEN_FILE
    Problem: The authorisation file (Realizer.Set) can not be opened. This file is located in the Realizer home directory (e.g. C:\program files\Realizer).
    Cause: The Authorisation file is not installed, use the autorisation file send by e-mail.
    
    22: INVALID_DONGLE
    Problem: The serial number of the dongle and the authorisation file (Realizer.Set) are not the same.
    Cause: Contact Actum Solutions for the right authorisation file or a new dongle.
    
    24: LICENSE_EXPIRED
    Problem: Your license has expired.
    Cause: Contact Actum Solutions for the new license
    
    25: INVALID_APPLICATION
    Problem: The license information of the application and the authorisation file (Realizer.Set) are not the same.
    Cause: you may have installed the wrong Realizer. For example you purchased Realizer Silver and you have installed Realizer Gold.
    Cause: Contact Actum Solutions for the right authorisation file.
    
    26: INVALID_HARDWARE
    Problem: The selected project uses a target for which you do not have a license. This can happen when opening an example project.
    Cause: Select a target for which you have purchased a license.
• Do I get printed manuals?
  
  • No. We deliver PDF's along with the installation of Realizer. These documents describe the users guide and the reference guide
• What do I do with the single user protection device (a.k.a. hardlock or dongle)?
  
  • The protection device must be connected to one of the USB ports of the work station. A network protection device is not yet supported.
    
    Older protection devices use the parallel port
• Which microcontrollers does the Realizer support?
  
  • Realizer supports microcontrollers by means of a Realizer target module. Each Realizer target module supports a family of microcontrollers.
    
    At this moment the following Realizer target-modules are shipping:
    
    • ST6 for ST6 series of microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics
    • ST7 for ST7 series of microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics
    • PIC12B for PIC12C50x and PIC16C5x series of microcontrollers from Microchip
    • PIC14B for PIC16C6x, PIC16C7x and PIC16C8x series from Microchip
    • Ansi-C for generating Ansi-C code
    See Targets for a list of microcontrollers that each target-module supports.
• Do you have an evaluation version of Realizer?
  
  • This is Realizer Bronze. You can download it from this website.
• Realizer Bronze is too limited for me.
  
  • The Bronze model is for evaluation purposes only, as a very comfortable demodisk. It is not the intention that this model is used for real projects.
    
    In our opinion you can use the Bronze model to see if the approach fits your needs and capabilities. If you need more symbols, then you need another model (Silver or Gold).
• How many symbols can I use?
  
  • The number of symbols are unlimited in the Realizer Gold and Silver models. That is: unlimited for the Realizer program. But the number of symbols are limited by the size of the program you can put in your microcontroller.
    
    The Realizer Bronze model is limited to a total of 15 symbols, in which the I/O symbols are included. Whether the symbols are all different or not, the amount without regard to their name is of essence.
• What restrictions are build into the Bronze model?
  
  • The Bronze model is for evaluation purposes only, as a very comfortable demo disk. It is not the intention that this model is used for real projects.
    It is limited to a total of 15 symbols, in which the I/O symbols are included. Whether the symbols are all different or not, the amount without regard to their name is of essence. Also, the symbol editor is not included with the Bronze model.
    No support or warrantee is provided with it. It is meant to enable users to evaluate the product, to see if the approach fits their needs and capabilities.
• What is the difference between models?
  
  • The Gold model is the model that has all the features that were developed for the Realizer so far. For instance, it includes variable optimisation and sleeping code optimisation.
    
    The Silver model is the model that does not have the optimisations of the Gold model, but of course it can be used to create real-world working designs. If you encounter the limits of the micro controller (e.g. run out of memory), then you are wise to upgrade to the Gold model.
    
    The Bronze model is the model for evaluation purposes only. The Bronze model is limited to a schematic design of 15 symbols. Also the symbol editor is not included with the Bronze model. With the Bronze model, you will discover the power, capacity, quality and efficiency of Realizer.
• When is the next version of Realizer to be released?
  
  • The product is maintained and extended on a regular basis. On the average, once a year a new version is released.
    Please inform us about your wishes and requests, so we can take them into account when planning the features list for the next version.
• What is the current version of Realizer?
  
  • The version that currently ships is V4.50 (all models).
• What is variable optimization?
  
  • This is also known as: RAM optimisation.
    Normally, Realizer allocates a variable for each net in the schematic drawing. Variable optimization instructs the Analyzer part of Realizer to take into account (re-use) the space allocated for each variable that’s value is not of interest anymore for the remainder of the program loop. In other words: If an output of a symbol is only connected to an inverter, Realizer will not allocate a variable for this net.
    
    The effect of variable optimisation can be immense, especially when using smaller microcontrollers. It is known that in practical applications the amount of RAM was decreased by 50%.
• What is sleeping code optimization?
  
  • This optimization makes the application faster (saving processor time during execution). It checks for specific symbols like AND-gates and multiplexers. When the analyzer is confident that at a certain moment, the result of a series of symbols (a branch) is of no interest to the final result, it will skip the execution of code for that branch.
• What is speed optimization?
  
  • This is the choice Realizer offers to use implementations of symbols to be faster at the expense of some extra code.
    For example: when multiplying, an application can check, at run-time, whether it is useful to use multiple additions instead of a full series of shifting and adding.
• What is a Target Module?
  
  • Micro-controllers generally come in families, each family has its own specific instruction set. Within a family there are members: devices with unique details like memory size, housing, pin lay-out, clock speed, etc.
    
    A Target Module is that part of Realizer that generates the final (object-) code for a specific family of micro-controllers. You can have one Realizer license with several target modules.
    
    Once you have a license of Realizer, you can generate code for other families after extending it by buying an extra Target Module.
• What constitutes Rralizer?
  
  • Realizer can be bought to generate code for various series of micro-controllers. Just like any compiler you chose the one you need. Roughly spoken, Realizer consists of a schematic editor, an analyser and a code generation part. Each having their particular function.
    
    As the major part of the first two are equal for each micro-controller we have named the second part, the code generating part a TARGET MODULE.
    
    It is possible and, pricewise, interesting to have several target modules with your license. You are then able to move your designs from one micro-controller to another, without any major changes. So each license consists of a basic license and one or more target modules.
• What do I get delivered?
  
  • A new license consists of:
    • copy protection dongle for USB,
    • a file sent by e-mail with encrypted license information.
    • access to the website download area
    
    An update, extension or an upgrade consists of:
    • a file to a file sent by e-mail with encrypted license information,
    • optionally the new package downloaded form the site.
• How to pay for Realizer products?
  
  • At Actum Solutions we generally accept pre-payment by bank transfer. If you want to propose another method, please let us know.
• What is an update, upgrade, extension?
  
  • An update is a newer version of the same Realizer license.
    An extension is the addition of something to the license. E.g. adding support for another target.
    Upgrading is the changing of the license from Silver to Gold.
• What is the delivery time?
  
  • Delivery of a new license may take up to 1 week.
    
    Changes to a license (update/extensions and upgrades) takes 1 to 3 days.