C/C++ compiler toolchain embedded workbench for RISC-V

This also enables companies to aggregate value by adding functionality to an existing platform. Internal tests show that the first version of the IAR C/C++ Compiler for RISC-V already delivers major improvements in code density, generating code that is considerably smaller compared to code generated by other available tools.

To ensure code quality, the toolchain includes C-STAT for integrated static code analysis. C-STAT can help prove compliance with specific standards like MISRA C:2004, MISRA C++:2008 and MISRA C:2012, as well as detect defects, bugs, and security vulnerabilities as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) and a subset of CERT C/C++.

The C-SPY Debugger included with IAR Embedded Workbench gives full control of the application in real time, and its simulator provides full debugging capabilities even without access to the hardware. For in-circuit debugging, IAR Systems provides the probe I-jet, delivering a high-speed debugging platform with full code control.

“RISC-V is turning into an important and broad architecture and many companies are adopting it in their designs,” said Stefan Skarin, CEO, IAR Systems. “These companies have a lot to gain by having access to professional development tools with professional technical support. As a commercial tools vendor, we have a unique position in the RISC-V ecosystem by being able to provide global technical support, as well as invest in stable technology, and we are now taking RISC-V development to the next level.”

Chunqiang Li, Senior Staff Engineer and VP, C-SKY/Alibaba, said: “We are so excited to see IAR Systems offering a strong commercial tools alternative for RISC-V. There are a rapidly growing number of RISC-V based commercial products, and we are sure there will be a strong positive response in the market to IAR Systems’ leading code optimisation technology as well as professional technical support. 

“As a Platinum member of the RISC-V Foundation, we will continue to promote RISC-V evolution and cooperation in various technical directions such as ISA optimisation, code density optimisation, and security. Besides, we have also developed a series of CPU cores based on RISC-V, and we will expand cooperation with IAR Systems on the tools.”

Dr Charlie Su, CTO and Executive VP, Andes Technology, added: “We are glad to see early support for our AndesCore processors in IAR Embedded Workbench. IAR Systems always delivers high-performance development tools as well as comprehensive debugging capabilities that will enable our customers to reduce time to market and create highly competitive embedded applications. We are really excited about this launch.”

Tim Morin, Director of Product Marketing for the FPGA business unit at Microchip’s Microsemi subsidiary, said: “A member of our Mi-V ecosystem for implementing FPGA-based RISC-V designs, IAR Systems has a strong track record of delivering excellent performance and comprehensive services with their tools. We are pleased to see them adding RISC-V coverage to their portfolio, and we will continue to work together to ensure optimised development for our joint customers.”

“I’m thrilled to see IAR Embedded Workbench for RISC-V join the robust tools available in the RISC-V ecosystem,” said Yunsup Lee, Designer of the RISC-V ISA and Chief Technology Officer at SiFive. “High quality, commercially supported tools for SiFive devices are key to enabling the innovators who need customisable processors with dense, high-performance code to maximise their efforts.”

RISC-V is a free and open instruction set architecture (ISA) based on established Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) principles. In 2018, IAR Systems joined the non-profit RISC-V Foundation, which drives the adoption and implementation of the RISC-V ISA, and committed to bring its leading development tools to the growing RISC-V community. Complementing its strong tools product offering, IAR Systems delivers technical support from offices around the globe.

The first version of IAR Embedded Workbench for RISC-V provides support for RV32 32-bit RISC-V cores and extensions. Future releases will include 64-bit support and support for the smaller RV32E base instruction set, as well as functional safety certification and security solutions.