HighTec the first to offer Rust Compiler for Infineon AURIX Microcontrollers

Recently, the programming language Rust has seen significant growth in popularity, driven by the increasing need for safe and secure systems. Rust's memory management features, such as its ownership model, help prevent the types of vulnerabilities that are often the root cause of system failures and security breaches. This makes Rust an attractive option for developers looking to build safe, secure, and robust systems.

Infineon's AURIX microcontroller family has become a widely adopted solution especially for smart mobility applications with stringent safety and security requirements. The combination of the robust safety and security features of the Rust programming language with the ASIL D/SIL 3 certified AURIX TC3x and TC4x microcontrollers provides a dependable and resilient platform for these critical applications.

HighTec is the only compiler provider to be an "Infineon Preferred Design House". Its new Rust compiler for AURIX TC3x and TC4x leverages the modern open-source LLVM technology, that is consistent with the existing C/C++ compiler tools offered by HighTec for AURIX. This compiler is characterised by its rapid build system and advanced code optimisations, which are specifically tailored to the architecture-specific functions of the AURIX microcontrollers. As a result, HighTec is able to accelerate the development and certification of safety-critical applications across a range of industries, including automotive and industrial automation. The original HighTec C/C++ Development Platform is widely used by leading automotive manufacturers and Tier One suppliers. By 2024, HighTec plans to offer a safety qualified AURIX Rust compiler.

"The topic of Rust compatibility has been a frequent point of discussion in recent engagements with AURIX customers", said Ralf Koedel, Vice President Microcontroller at Infineon. "Our longstanding strategic compiler partner HighTec is a pioneer in establishing innovative open-source compiler technology for safety and security for AURIX at the earliest stage."

"To continue providing a safer and secure embedded world as a mission and genuine commitment of HighTec, we decided to endeavour the enablement of Rust for automotive applications", said Mario Cupelli, CTO of HighTec EDV-Systeme GmbH. "The unique features and benefits of Rust make it an increasingly attractive option for AURIX software developers to address the complex requirements of safety and security, particularly in conjunction with C/C++. Our new compiler for Rust is here to help them to build highly optimised and robust code faster."