Version 9.10 includes optimizations to the most commonly used code, new debugging functionality, and added kernel support.
Thanks to its proven reliability and ease of development, 8051 technology has seen a resurgence in the form of 8051-based SoCs, targeting Internet of Things (IoT) applications. These modern, fast, small, and energy-efficient devices drive the need for powerful, easy-to-use development tools. CAST Inc. supplies global-type IP 8051 kernels, which are among the fastest and smallest available, and full development tool support for these kernels is available in the IAR Embedded Workbench. The new support includes devices that implement a Multiplication-Division Unit (MDU). The MDU allows developers to use hardware acceleration options for multiplication and division within their code. These tasks are inherently expensive on an 8-bit microcontroller but are significantly faster using MDUs.
In the C-SPY® debugger, version 9.10 adds new windows for macro management. The Macro Registration window controls which macro files are loaded, and the Debugger Macros window displays a list of all macros available in the debugger. C-SPY macros are used to automate various debugging and verification tasks. Macros can also be used to perform a variety of tasks, such as hardware configuration and peripheral driver simulation, as well as feeding simulated data into the application at runtime.
The C-SPY debugger's Reset button has been improved. It is now possible to select whether to run the debugger on the main debugger without exiting the debugging session. The debugger will override the project settings and insert or remove this breakpoint. Also new is the ability to save C-SPY inspection window content to a file, which can be used for logging or analysis purposes.
In addition to full support for CAST devices, new Silicon Labs devices are also supported in this new version. To simplify device selection, the Project Options menu has been enhanced to allow developers to select their device from a static menu selection entry.
IAR Embedded Workbench for 8051 is a comprehensive development toolkit for microcontrollers based on the 8051 core. For streamlined development workflows, the tools include integrations for a range of hardware debugging systems and device configuration tools. With the latest version, the powerful IAR C/C++ Compiler™ for 8051 generates even smaller code, particularly for developers working with large or remote data models.
