IAR Systems eases software development for Renesas SH-based embedded systems

The compiler has been improved to optimize for higher execution speed, compared to the previous version. These improvements include options for more aggressive loop unrolling and function inlining. Developers of C++ applications can now also benefit from Virtual Function Elimination (VFE), where unused virtual functions are removed during the build process, resulting in tighter object code.

The IAR C-SPY Debugger is an important part of the integrated development environment for SH. The simulator version of the debugger includes a new Timeline window allowing graphically correlated visualization of the call stack and the interrupt log, both plotted against time. This view provides a clear view of the system’s basic behavior.

Also the E10A-USB emulator version of the IAR C-SPY Debugger provides new functionality. Support for software breakpoints is now included and it is also possible to set breakpoints during program execution. The profiling tool can now present statistics based on trace data of the application’s performance.

An increasingly high number of 32-bit designs are RTOS-based and IAR Embedded Workbench for SH now comes with thread-safe libraries, allowing safe execution of multiple threads at the same time.

IAR Embedded Workbench provides full support for SH-2A/ SH-2A FPU devices, a popular choice both in the automotive industry and in industrial automation. Version 2.20 contains support for the latest SH devices from Renesas.

The cooperation between IAR Systems and Renesas Electronics started in the mid-1980ies and IAR Systems today provides the most comprehensive tool support in the industry for Renesas 8-, 16-, and 32-bit devices.