IAR Embedded Workbench vastly improves performance for 8-bit AVR MCUs

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Version 6.70 of the popular toolchain includes improved compiler optimizations. 

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IAR Systems has released a new version of its complete C/C++ development toolchain IAR Embedded Workbench for AVR. Version 6.70 of the popular toolchain includes improved compiler optimizations as well as new device support and updates to the add-on tool C-STAT for static code analysis.

“Embedded systems are growing in complexity and many applications are being migrated to 32-bit microcontrollers. Despite this, the 8-bit AVR microcontrollers are continuously being used in many applications for example within automotive, battery management and wireless solutions,” says Thomas Sporrong, IAR Systems Global FAE Manager. “IAR Systems has a large customer base of developers working with AVR and the company remains committed to supplying world-class tools for embedded developers across the entire range from 8-bit to 32-bit microcontrollers.”

IAR Embedded Workbench for AVR features world-leading code optimizations that create compact, fast-performing code. The optimization technology has been further improved in this version, particularly involving speed optimizations of floating-point data types. These improvements enable developers to gain even better performance in applications where optimal execution speed is critical. To achieve the best possible configuration for the application at hand, developers are able to tune the optimizations. With the possibility to set different optimizations for different parts of the code, the right balance between code size and code speed can be achieved.

The previous version 6.60 of IAR Embedded Workbench for AVR introduced support for IAR Systems’ static analysis add-on product C-STAT. Completely integrated in the IAR Embedded Workbench IDE, C-STAT can perform numerous checks for compliance with rules as defined by the coding standards MISRA C:2004, MISRA C++:2008 and MISRA C:2012, as well as rules based on for example CWE (the Common Weakness Enumeration) and CERT C/C++. By using static analysis, developers can identify errors such as memory leaks, access violations, arithmetic errors, and array and string overruns at an early stage to ensure code quality and minimize the impact of errors on the finished product and on the project timeline. With the latest release come further updates to the C-STAT tool, including an added report generator and added pragmas for temporary disabling checks.

IAR Embedded Workbench for AVR is a complete set of powerful C/C++ development tools with extensive support for devices in all AVR families. IAR Systems’ high-performance development tools and world-class technical support are available across Atmel’s entire range of 8-bit and 32-bit microcontroller architectures.

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3D printing goes live for Adobe Photoshop CC

Adobe has announced new 3D printing capabilities for its flagship Photoshop Creative Cloud (CC). 

According to Adobe VP Winston Hendrickson, the latest features will allow users to more easily build, refine, preview, prepare and print 3D designs – setting the stage for explosive growth in the 3D printing market.

“The new 3D printing capabilities also help creatives to design in 3D from scratch or refine an existing 3D model and produce beautiful, print-ready 3D models using familiar Photoshop tools,” Hendrickson explained. 

”Automated mesh repair and support structure generation ensure models will be produced reliably, while accurate previews allow creatives to submit print jobs with confidence.”

Hendrickson also noted that the new 3D print capabilities in Photoshop CC will help take the “guess work” out of printing 3D models for everyone.

“Before today there was a gap between the content produced by 3D modeling tools and what 3D printers need in order to deliver high quality results,” he added. “Now, by simply clicking ‘Print’ in Photoshop CC, creatives can bring 3D designs to the physical world.”

Indeed, designs can be printed to a locally connected 3D printer or via built-in access to popular online 3D print services. As expected, Photoshop CC supports the most popular desktop 3D printers, such as the Atmel-powered MakerBot Replicator. 

In addition, Photoshop CC also supports the full range of high quality materials available on Shapeways – the 3D printing community and marketplace – including ceramics, metals and full color sandstone.

Last, but certainly not least, Photoshop users can now directly upload their 3D models to the Sketchfab 3D publishing service, while embedding them in their Behance profile using Sketchfab’s interactive 3D viewer.

As we’ve previously discussed on Bits & Pieces, the DIY Maker Movement has been using Atmel-powered 3D printers like MakerBot and RepRap for some time now. However, 3D printing has clearly entered a new and important stage in a number of spaces including the medical sphere, architectural arena and science lab. To be sure, the meteoric rise of 3D printing has paved the way for a new generation of Internet entrepreneurs, Makers and do-it-yourself (DIY) manufacturers. As such, the lucrative 3D printing industry remains on track to be worth a staggering $3 billion by 2016.