Wind River, Infineon expand software tools for TriCore mcus

The companies plan to optimise Wind River Diab Compiler for the TriCore microcontroller architecture of Infineon, including the latest AUDO MAX and future TriCore families. According to Wind River, its update to Diab Compiler, that includes enhancements for TriCore architecture, results in increased performance and a smaller software footprint. Infineon TriCore 32bit mcus are widely used for compute intensive applications such as power train, passive safety systems, engine control, energy management and chassis control. Wind River Diab Compiler is an embedded software tool suite that includes a C/C++ compiler, assembler, linker, ANSI C and C++ libraries and an instruction set simulator that supports a variety of processor architectures including ARM, Power, SuperH and TriCore. Diab compiler technology is widely used in applications such as automotive, industrial and aerospace/defence systems. "Given the growing complexity in automotive electronic systems as well as the emergence of new safety standards such as ISO 26262, software quality is paramount," said Tomas Evensen, chief technical officer at Wind River and creator of the original Diab Compiler, pictured. "Automotive electronic control unit makers are under continuing pressure to increase functionality in their devices while saving power and costs. This requires close alignment between software and semiconductor vendors. Alongside Infineon, we are working to provide an optimised software development environment and deliver Wind River Diab Compiler for AUDO MAX and future TriCore automotive microcontrollers. With the code optimisation that Diab Compiler brings, electronic control unit makers are able to add more functionality in the same or less memory footprint, without increasing power consumption." Peter Schaefer, vice president and general manager, Microcontrollers, Automotive division at Infineon Technologies, added: "Together, Wind River and Infineon are optimising Wind River Diab Compiler for TriCore architectures and the improvements in code performance and software footprint can lower hardware costs for automotive system suppliers. Infineon's powerful TriCore microcontrollers are designed for highly complex electronic systems and it is essential to partner with an expert commercial compiler supplier with safety critical expertise to ensure we provide a solution that meets the demanding needs of the automotive industry." The two companies say they will continue to collaborate on automotive specific compiler requirements such as the need for compiler compliance with the latest ISO 26262 standard. The new standard is an adaptation of the Functional Safety standard IEC 61508 for automotive electric/electronic systems. ISO 26262 applies to functional safety aspects of the development process, including activities such as requirements specification, design, implementation, integration, verification, validation and configuration.