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.

Interested? Get started here.

IAR Systems provides tools for new Atmel | SMART SAMA5D2 series

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IAR Embedded Workbench supports latest series of Atmel | SMART ARM Cortex-A5-based microprocessors with low power consumption and advanced security features.

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Our friends over at IAR Systems have shared that the IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM now supports the Atmel | SMART SAMA5D2 series. With its highly optimizing build tools and comprehensive debugging capabilities, their popular development toolchain enables developers to fully leverage the high performance of the recently revealed MPU family.

The Atmel | SMART SAMA5D2 is based on the high-end ARM Cortex-A5 core and features an ARM NEON engine. ARM NEON is a Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) architecture extension providing the top performance that is crucial to developers working for example with multimedia and signal processing applications. With the IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM, users will be able to benefit from this technology thanks to the automatic NEON vectorization available in the tools. By vectorizing their code, they can achieve faster application response time, improve application battery lifetime and further meet the market demands for low cost and low power.

What’s more, the SAMA5D2 boasts a robust security system including ARM TrustZone technology, along with secure boot, hardware cryptography, RSA/ECC, on-the-fly encryption/decryption on DDR and QSPI memories, tamper resistance, memory scrambling, independent watchdog, temperature, voltage and frequency monitoring and a unique ID in each device.

The complete development toolchain IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM features the powerful IAR C/C++ Compiler and the comprehensive C-SPY Debugger in a user-friendly integrated development environment. The toolchain offers extensive debugging and profiling possibilities such as complex code and data breakpoints, runtime stack analysis, call stack visualization, code coverage analysis and integrated monitoring of power consumption. For complete code control, IAR Systems provides integrated add-on tools for static and runtime analysis.

“We are excited to see early support for our latest low-power MPUs in IAR Systems’ leading development toolchain,” explains Jacko Wilbrink, Atmel Senior Director of MPUs. “In order to be able to develop next-generation industrial IoT and wearables applications, developers require more performance, lower power and additional security. The Atmel | SMART SAMA5D2 series and IAR Embedded Workbench deliver excellent performance and a wide range of features to fulfill these requirements and deliver truly differentiating products to help bring products faster to market.”

Interested? You can head over to the IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM, as well as read up on the industry’s lowest power Cortex-A5-based MPU here.

IAR Systems adds powerful code analysis possibilities for 8-bit AVR developers

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New version of IAR Embedded Workbench for AVR introduces static code analysis and stack usage analysis.

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IAR Systems has unveiled version 6.60 of its IAR Embedded Workbench for AVR microcontrollers. The update extends code analysis possibilities with the integration of static code analysis tools and stack usage analysis.

The latest version of IAR Embedded Workbench for AVR adds support for IAR Systems’ static analysis add-on product C-STAT. Completely integrated within 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 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.

Additionally, the version 6.60 introduces stack usage analysis. Seeing as though the stack is a fundamental property of an embedded application, setting it up properly is essential for ensuring the application’s stability and reliability. However, calculating the stack space is notoriously difficult for all but the smallest of systems. This challenging task can be greatly simplified by granting access to information around the worst case maximum stack depth of the application. Enabling stack usage analysis in IAR Embedded Workbench provides just that, adding listings of the maximum stack depth for each call graph root to the linker map file. The analysis process can be customized to take into account such constructs as calls via function pointers and recursion.

”The new functionality in IAR Embedded Workbench provides great advantages for our customers,” explains Steve Pancoast, Atmel VP of Software Applications, Tools and Development. “Developers can leverage the new analysis possibilities to improve the quality of their code, as well as streamline their development process. Atmel’s strong partnership with IAR Systems gives our customers access to world-leading tools across our entire range of AVR and Atmel | SMART ARM-based microcontrollers and microprocessors.”

IAR Embedded Workbench for AVR is a complete set of high-performance C/C++ tools featuring world-leading code optimizations creating compact, fast performing code. Version 6.60 also features parallel build, which will surely have a major impact on expediting development. Now, the user can optionally set the compiler to run in several processes simultaneously, which can significantly reduce compiler times.

IAR Systems introduces static code analysis in Atmel AVR32 tools

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The latest version of IAR Systems’ toolchain integrates C-STAT as well as stack usage analysis and parallel build.

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IAR Systems, a leading provider of software tools for embedded systems, has revealed several major updates to its complete embedded development toolchain IAR Embedded Workbench for Atmel AVR32. The latest version, 4.30, introduces the add-on product C-STAT for completely integrated static code analysis, as well as stack usage analysis and shortened build times through parallel build.

Static analysis finds potential issues in code by delving deeper on the source code level, given that errors such as memory leaks, access violations, arithmetic errors and array and string overruns can cause security issues and affect the overall performance and quality of a product. By using static analysis, developers can identify these errors early on, and ultimately, minimize their impact on the finished product and the project timeline. Aside from improving the code quality, the analysis can assist in aligning with industry coding standards. C-STAT is a powerful static analysis tool that checks compliance with rules as defined by the coding standards MISRA C:2004, MISRA C++:2008 and MISRA C:2012, as well as hundreds of rules based on for example CWE (the Common Weakness Enumeration) and CERT C/C++. Users can easily select which rule-set and which individual rules to check the code against, and the analysis results are provided directly in the IAR Embedded Workbench IDE.

The new version also adds stack usage analysis. The stack is a fundamental property of an embedded system and a proper setup of the stack is essential to system stability and reliability. However, calculating the stack space is notoriously hard, making worst case maximum stack depth very useful information as it greatly simplifies estimates of how much stack an application will require. With stack usage analysis enabled in IAR Embedded Workbench, a stack usage section will be added to the linker map file with listings of the maximum stack depth for each call graph root. The analysis process can be customized to take into account such constructs as calls via function pointers and recursion. The output can optionally be generated in XML format for post processing.

In the compiler, parallel build has been introduced to help accelerate project times. The user can easily set the compiler to run in several parallel processes and make better use of the available processor cores in the PC. This feature can have a major impact on reducing the build times of the compiler.

As many of you are well aware, IAR Systems provides a plethora of powerful development tools for Atmel 8-bit and 32-bit families. And, IAR Embedded Workbench for AVR32 is a complete C/C++ compiler and debugger toolchain that creates the fastest, most compact code in the industry. Interested? Head over to its official page here to learn more.

IAR Systems updates development tools for ARM Cortex-M7 devices

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IAR Systems shortens build times in leading development toolchain for ARM-based devices.

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Version 7.40 of the incredibly-popular IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM has introduced support for ARM Cortex-M7 microcontrollers from Atmel. Beyond that, the tools now feature parallel build for shorter build times, as well as an integration of IAR Systems’ new tool C-STAT for powerful static code analysis.

As you know, the ARM Cortex-M7 processor is the most recent addition to the ARM Cortex-M family. Not only focused on energy efficiency and high-performance, the MCUs are intended for use in a wide-range of applications including automotive, industrial automation, medical devices, and of course, the burgeoning Internet of Things.

The new version of IAR Embedded Workbench adds support for ARM Cortex-M7 devices from Atmel, including support for the double precision floating point unit. This covers the recently-revealed Atmel | SMART SAM E70, SAM S70 and SAM V70. In addition to these MCUs, support for a number of ARM Cortex-based devices from several other vendors have also been added.

In order to speed up build times, version 7.40 introduces parallel build. Users can easily set the compiler to run in several parallel processes and make better use of the available processor cores in the PC. This feature can have a major impact on reducing the build times of the compiler.

The add-on product C-STAT for powerful, integrated static code analysis is now available. Static analysis finds potential issues in code on the source code level and can be used to prevent errors such as memory leaks, access violations, arithmetic errors and array and string overruns. The analysis performed by C-STAT improves code quality and aids alignment with industry coding standards. It checks compliance with rules as defined by MISRA C:2004, MISRA C++:2008 and MISRA C:2012, as well as hundreds of rules based on CWE (the Common Weakness Enumeration) and CERT C/C++, for example. Users can easily select the rule set or individual rules to check their code against, and the analysis results are provided directly in the IAR Embedded Workbench IDE.

Interested? Head over to IAR Systems’ official page to learn more. Also, as of late last year, over 1,400 new example projects could be found in IAR Embedded Workbench, which supports Atmel’s entire portfolio of MCUs and MPUs.

Video Diary: A look back at Electronica 2014

Electronica 2014 is officially in the books! Atmel was front and center in this year’s activities, as the week of November 11-14 was filled with numerous product releases, countless visitors, endless giveaways, and of course, more than 40 jam-packed application demos for the ever-growing Internet of Things.

Weren’t able to join us in Munich? Here’s a look back at how we’re inspiring next-gen M2M connections, smart homes, connected cars, Makerspaces, and more. Plenty of more videos to follow… stay tuned!

SMART HOME ZONE 

Eivind Berntsen shows off the recently-announced Atmel | SMART SAM L21.

Ramzi Al-Harayer demonstrates the WINC1500, an IEEE 802.11 b/g/n IoT network controller SoC.

Dr. Attila Römer exhibits some of the latest (and smartest) lighting solutions, including the Philips Hue LED colormix bulb, the Philips Lux dimmable bulb and the Philips Tap switch.

INDUSTRIAL ZONE 

Highlighting the need for security in the connected world, Atmel’s resident security expert Kerry Maletsky shows off a three-light switch demo that communicates via ZigBee to a remote panel with 3 LEDs.

Dr. Peter Sauer highlights the SIGFOX network infrastructure and various Internet of Things applications.

Thomas Souche explores the mulit-touch capabilities of a maXTouch powered industrial control panel from Siemens.

Eirik Slettahjell showcases the SAM D20 QTouch Evaluation Kit, demonstrating best-in-class capacitive touch performance.

Alexander Kurz reveals how digital temperature sensors can be implemented to prevent overheating in your product.

AUTOMOTIVE ZONE 

Not only is our world becoming increasingly more connected, our cars are getting smarter as well. Rob Valiton explores the future of automobiles in the Internet of Things era.

A closer look at passive entry and passive start for automobiles through capacitive touch and proximity detection technology.

Rob Valiton takes us through a next-gen door handle application powered by our fourth generation LIN system.

MAKER ZONE

Former AVR Hero winner Pamungkas Sumasta and Ralf Smit introduce their all-in-one, Arduino-compatible prototyping gadget — which is now live on Kickstarter.

Tired of always having to sort through Skittles to find your favorite color? This Maker-built, SAM D21 powered machine will take of that tedious task for you!

Paal Kastnes maneuvers a remote-controlled robot powered by the Atmel | SMART SAM D21. “Mr. Abot” is controlled through an Andriod app, while the communications are driven through our recently-announced new WINC1500 Wi-Fi solution.

Some of the news you may have missed…

Jacko Wilbrink shares an update on the Atmel | SMART SAMA5D4 and ARM Cortex-M7 based MCUs.

Low power gets three times lower with the Atmel | SMART SAM L21 ARM Cortex-M0+ MCU.

A new QTouch safety platform is introduced for home appliance user interfaces.

Your favorite 8-bit AVR MCU family gets even bigger.

The SAM W25 becomes the industry’s first FCC-certified Wi-Fi and MCU integrated module.

The new CAN transceiver lineup meets the growing demands of the auto and industrial markets.

The recently-unveiled LIN system basis chip portfolio enables a wide-range of in-vehicle applications.

Atmel’s AvantCar is a fully-functional concept to meet the growing demand for new features and technological upgrades in tomorrow’s vehicles.

IAR Systems supports Atmel’s complete MCU and MPU portfolio, expanding its IoT software and tools ecosystem.

The ATA8520 device becomes the first SIGFOX Ready-certified system-on-chip (SoC) solution.

And to wrap up the week in winning fashion, the Atmel based SatNOGS is crowned the Hackaday Prize champion!

1,400 new example projects in IAR Systems’ dev tool support entire Atmel MCU and MPU lineup

We have just announced the extension of our partnership with IAR Systems have to include over 1,400 new example projects in IAR Systems’ development tools to support Atmel’s entire portfolio of world-class MCUs and MPUs.

Designers using both Atmel AVR and Atmel | SMART family can now leverage IAR Embedded Workbench, the leading C/C++ compiler and debugger toolchain, with new example projects to bring their products faster to market. With all the information available to a developer at the start of a project, including over 1,400 new examples from the Atmel Software Framework (ASF) for reference designs across a broad range of applications and Atmel’s Xplained Pro family of evaluation boards, this significantly increases developers’ productivity.

ASF is a large library of free source code for Atmel | SMART ARM and highly-popular AVR devices. This framework minimizes much of the low-level configuration and design required for projects to get off the ground, by providing hardware abstraction with consistent APIs, as well as high-value middleware components designed for evaluation, prototyping, design, and production phases.

“We are committed to providing simple, yet sophisticated tools for our designers’ complex development,” said Steve Pancoast, Atmel Vice President of Development Software and Tools. “Since the introduction of our AVRs in the early 90s, IAR Systems has always been an important partner for us, providing world class tools to our most demanding users. The integration of our reference application examples into IAR Embedded Workbench will reduce overall time-to-market for developers, enabling them to bring products faster to market.”

“High-performance development tools are critical for success in today’s advanced embedded systems designs, specifically for the Internet of Things and connectivity markets,” added Stefan Skarin, IAR Systems CEO. “IAR Systems’ position is unique in that we are the only commercial vendor able to provide this, as well as our world class support, across Atmel’s entire range of microcontroller architectures.”