The Arm DesignStart programme enables the creation of custom SoCs using the Arm Cortex-M0, Cortex-M3, or Cortex-A5 processors with low cost and fast access, and provides a verified subsystem for a wide range of applications, including IoT, gateways, sensor, control and mixed signal SoCs, as well as design services and support. Developers also gain instant access to IAR Embedded Workbench, incorporating a highly optimizing C/C++ compiler and a powerful debugger.
Automatic vectorization compiler support looks to simplify the use of NEON technology, an advanced SIMD (single instruction multiple data) extension available in Cortex-A and Cortex-R processors, including Arm Cortex-A5. NEON improves the multimedia user experience by accelerating audio and video encoding/decoding, and user interfaces. It can also accelerate signal processing algorithms and functions to speed up applications such as audio and video processing, voice and facial recognition, computer vision and deep learning.
“The development of SoC platforms comes with specific challenges such as system components integration, code complexity, and code optimizations for the selected target,” said Robert DeOliveira, SoC Director of Global Strategic Sales, IAR Systems. “By using IAR Embedded Workbench from start in their SoC designs, Arm DesignStart users will be able to overcome these challenges and ensure the end application can be created with robustness, reliability and maximizes efficiency.”
“DesignStart offers SoC designers fast, low-cost access to proven Arm IP and subsystems, accelerating time to silicon,” commented Phil Burr, director, portfolio product management, Arm. “The addition of the Cortex-A5 to DesignStart enables the creation of more sophisticated custom SoCs. By using the IAR Embedded Workbench toolchain, software developers will be able to develop and debug software that gets the best out of this highly capable processor in their custom SoC.”