Compiler improves array performance

The Hi-Tech C Pro complier for the PSoC Mixed-Signal Array uses the OCG technology to examine all program modules prior to compilation, optimising pointers, registers and stack allocation.

Cypress Semiconductor and Hi-Tech Software have released compiler technology that extends the memory capacity and performance of the dynamically configurable PSoC mixed signal arrays.

The Hi-Tech C Pro ANSI C compiler for the PSoC mixed-signal array exploits Hi-Tech's Omniscient Code Generation (OCG) technology to radically reduce PSoC code size.

PSoC mixed-signal arrays integrate programmable analogue and digital functionality with an 8bit MCU core, up to 32Kbyte of Flash memory and up to 2Kbyte of SRAM.

They are widely used in cost-sensitive, space-limited consumer applications that include touch screen interfaces, motor control, and proximity detection.

PSoC devices can be dynamically reconfigured to execute multiple independent functions in the same silicon, reducing component count, board space and power consumption.

Although adding reconfigurable functionality to the PSoC device does not increase the amount of silicon required, each reconfigurable function requires additional program code.

In some applications, adding this functionality causes the program code to outgrow the on-chip Flash memory.

In addition, the larger software stack and variable requirements may push the limits of the on-chip SRAM, increasing the potential for undetected stack overflows.

Until now, the only solutions to SRAM and Flash memory constraints have been to limit the functionality of the end product, migrate the application to a larger PSoC device with more SRAM and Flash memory, or hand craft assembly language code to reduce the program, stack and variable sizes.

This is an exceptionally cumbersome and time-consuming task that severely restricts the portability of the program code.

The Hi-Tech C Pro complier for the PSoC Mixed-Signal Array uses the OCG technology to examine all program modules prior to compilatio