IAR Systems has released a new version of its leading development toolchain IAR Embedded Workbench for the MSP430 core from Texas Instruments. The new release adds new features as well as support for the latest MSP430 FRAM-based microcontrollers. Support for several new FRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) microcontrollers has been added, including the new RF430FRL15x sensor transponders that are a part of TI’s Security + Communications series.
IAR Embedded Workbench for MSP430 is a complete set of powerful and reliable tools for building and debugging embedded systems based on the 16-bit MSP430 microcontroller family. Its powerful build tools features sophisticated optimisation technology creating the fastest performing, most compact code in the industry. Speed-efficient code is crucial in order to keep the power consumption to a minimum for the ultra-low-power applications in which MSP430 microcontrollers are mainly used. The latest version of the tools introduces selectable smaller math functions for even more compact code. Also added is an integration of more example projects from TI MSP430Ware. Developers can navigate to these projects directly from the Information Center in IAR Embedded Workbench.
In the comprehensive C-SPY Debugger included with the tools, developers can now collect sampled graphs for a specified variable. The sampled data can be viewed either in table format or as graphs. This allows developers to track data values over time. Also added is support for advanced cycle counter when using TI’s FET debugger.
“We are really happy to continue to deliver outstanding technology to our large customer base in the MSP430 community,” commented Thomas Sporrong, global FAE manager, IAR Systems. “Our compiler technology is the most powerful in the market, and developers can trust our tools to do justice to their code. The latest functionality in our C-SPY Debugger includes sampled graphs, which add the ability to follow variables over time. This gives further possibilities for in-depth investigation of the application during debugging. Finding errors quickly is crucial for keeping production deadlines, not to mention the time and effort it saves the individual developer.”
IAR Embedded Workbench includes a highly-optimizing C/C++ compiler and the comprehensive C-SPY Debugger in a user-friendly integrated development environment. It also integrates Texas Instruments’ power optimisation teaching tool ULP Advisor software that uses a static code analyser to offer tips and tricks to help developers understand where they can improve their code to minimise power consumption.
