Workbench approved for i.MX processor applications: News from IAR Systems

Note: Readers of the free Electronicstalk email newsletter will have read this news when it was announced. Find out how to register for your free copy now.

The IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM has been evaluated by Synchromesh Computing as part of its Market Ready Validation Programme for Freescale Semiconductor's i.MX applications processors, and has been granted the seal of approval, earning an overall rating of very good and above-average ratings in all of the parameters tested. The official report that accompanied the award concluded: 'The tools performed well, and Synchromesh Computing can recommend IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM as a suitable suite of development tools for the Freescale i.MX family of applications processors, which are based on ARM core technology'. The purpose of the programme is to perform an 'out of the box' evaluation of software development tools for specific i.MX platforms, such as the i.MX1 and i.MX21, and provide solid proof points that the tested product gives customers an overall quality experience.

The assessment encompasses features and functions including documentation, tutorials, and common software tasks such as product updates, license management etc At the most basic level it asks the question: 'Can this product be used by developers right out of the box?'.

In the case of IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM, tested on the i.MXl and i.MX21 platforms, the answer was a very conclusive 'yes'.

'IAR Systems is very proud that Synchromesh Computing has acknowledged the quality and usability of our product by the award of its prestigious seal of approval', commented Olle Eriksson, President of IAR Systems.

'We know from the feedback we receive from our customers that IAR Embedded Workbench is the best tool chain in its class, but it is particularly rewarding to have this confirmed by means of an independent benchmark'.

The report highlights the fact that host to target connectivity using IAR Systems' JLink functioned 'flawlessly' on the i.MX21 and i.MX1 application development system (ADS) boards, offering the ability to install, obtain a license, create/open projects, build (compile and link), download from host to target, use the simulator, execute, control, use breakpoints, examine registers, and in general perform all of the necessary functions to program the target systems.

In addition, the simulator was determined to be 'excellent', even allowing the user to simulate interrupts.

The product was judged by Synchromesh Computing to display meaningful customisation for the Freescale i.MX21 processor, including an excellent example project for this target that interfaced the LCD touch screen to receive input from the user, with the ability to output bitmaps to the screen.

The assessment concluded that for Freescale's i.MX platforms, IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM is 'a professional-grade product suitable for both novice developers as well as the very experienced'.

• IAR Systems: contact details and other news
• Email this news to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page

Workbench approved for i.MX processor applications

The IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM has been evaluated by Synchromesh Computing as part of its Market Ready Validation Programme for Freescale Semiconductor's i.MX applications processors.