Altium announces new release of TASKING C compiler for Power Architecture
New TASKING Compiler Re-enforces Altium’s Position as the Premier Vendor for Advanced 32-bit Multi-Core
Microprocessors
Sydney, Australia, 17 December 2013 - Altium Limited, a global leader in Smart System Design Automation, 3D PCB design (Altium Designer) and embedded
software development (TASKING) announces a new major release of its TASKING C compiler solution for automotive
application development, supporting the Power Architecture® based microcontrollers from the Freescale Qorivva/5xxx
series and STMicroelectronics SPC5 series.
In addition to various improvements on code optimizations for speed and size, the new compiler brings device support for
the MPC56xx and SPC56x microcontroller series, while also allowing users to develop applications already for new devices
by selecting the corresponding e200 core level.
With this new release of its VX-toolset, Altium is now driving the industry trend to bring toolsets under the Eclipse
IDE, through a plug-in that enables a seamless integration of the compiler tools and the simulator user-interface into
the Eclipse framework. The TASKING compiler plug-in enables customization and optimization of the build process by
selecting the compiler chain options from a configuration explorer tree. This saves the developer from having to type
options manually in text boxes or on the command line.
"TASKING customers enjoy excellent proven-in-use experiences with our C compilers and have requested support for the new
Power Architecture automotive chips from Freescale (Qorivva/5xxx) and STMicroelectronics (SPC5)”, says Harm-Andre
Verhoef, TASKING Product Manager at Altium. “With this release, we are delivering to users of the latest Power
Architecture; compatibility with our popular VX-toolsets and the robust, efficient code generation customers can expect
from TASKING".
By using TASKING’s Viper technology, compatibility to other popular TASKING toolsets is guaranteed and migration of an
application to and from other architectures is straightforward. TASKING toolsets have built up a proven reputation with
highly efficient and robust code for automotive applications like power train, body control, chassis control and safety
critical applications. In this new release the Viper compiler is extended with caching functionality which saves the
compiler’s intermediate results in order to avoid full compilations, significantly reducing the project build time of
embedded applications and saving developers both time and cost.
Automotive embedded applications benchmarks with the new C compilers have shown best-in-class code efficiency
achievements, enabled by Viper and the result from close cooperation with customers and understanding their code
optimization needs.
Features of the TASKING VX-toolset for Power Architecture compiler include:
- Eclipse IDE with integrated compiler and simulator
- MISRA C and CERT C code analyzer built into the compiler
- Profiling through code instrumentation and run-time error checking capabilities
- Highly configurable linker with versatile script language for optimal memory control
- Compliant to relevant industry standards
The new Power Architecture toolset release includes TASKING’s new license management system, offering ultimate
configurability to meet today’s needs for flexible licensing from single users to global development teams, with
comprehensive license usage reporting facilities for IT managers or license compliance managers.
The VX-toolset for Power Architecture release v2.1 is available now on PC/Windows, with other platforms supported on
request. Pricing starts at USD 3,495 for the TASKING VX-toolset Standard Edition. Existing customers with a maintenance
contract will get the new release for free.
ABOUT TASKING
TASKING is an Altium brand. TASKING development tools are used by carmakers and the world's largest automotive Tier-1
suppliers to program microcontroller based power train, body control and safety related applications around the globe.
More than ten thousand users rely on the TASKING compilers and debuggers to create richer next-generation applications
while achieving optimum reliability, security, and performance. TASKING compilers are also part of Altium Designer and
installed on hundreds thousands of developer’s desktops around the globe. In 2012 the TASKING brand celebrated its
35-years anniversary of technology leadership, quality tools and customer support excellence.
ABOUT ALTIUM
Altium Limited (ASX:ALU) is an Australian multinational software corporation that focuses on 3D PCB design, electronics
design and embedded system development software.
Altium Designer, a unified electronics design environment links all aspects of smart systems design in a single
application that is priced as affordable as possible.
With this unique range of technologies Altium enables electronics designers to innovate, harness the latest devices and
technologies, manage their projects across broad design ‘ecosystems’, and create connected, intelligent products.
Founded in 1985, Altium has offices worldwide, with US locations in San Diego and Boston, European locations in
Karlsruhe, Amersfoort, Kiev, Moscow and Zug and AsiaPacific locations in Shanghai, Tokyo and Sydney. For more
information, visit www.altium.com or www.tasking.com. You can also follow and engage with Altium via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
ENDS