IAR Embedded Workbench integrates new ULP Advisor software tool from Texas Instruments

It provides a static code analyzer that flags software code and offers tips and tricks to help developers understand where they can improve their code line-by-line to minimize power consumption and achieve ultra-low-power performance.

The tool works by checking the code for violations against a set of rules for ultra-low-power design. It flags and itemizes each rule violation, and by clicking each message the developer can find the code block that can potentially consume a noticeable amount of power. A suggestion is then given on how to improve the code to optimize power consumption.

The IAR Embedded Workbench integration enables the user to control TI’s ULP Advisor software from within the IAR Embedded Workbench IDE. The chosen rules are checked at each build, and the output is shown in the build log. The new tool is supported by a vast wiki where developers can find information specific to each ultra-low-power rule, including for example background details, why the rule is important, and what the tool is evaluating to result in a code remark.

IAR Systems is the only independent tools vendor to be able to offer this integration, giving their customers a unique opportunity to fully benefit from the hands-on teaching features of TI’s ULP Advisor software, while taking full advantage of the powerful optimizations available in the IAR C/C++ Compiler, and the simplicity offered by the user-friendly IAR Embedded Workbench IDE.

IAR Embedded Workbench for MSP430 is a set of powerful and reliable tools for building and debugging embedded systems based on the ultra-low-power 16-bit MSP430 microcontroller family from Texas Instruments. IAR Embedded Workbench provides a highly-optimizing C/C++ compiler and a user-friendly IDE including project manager, editor, build tools and debugger.