The latest iteration of Texas Instruments’ Code Composer Studio integrated development environment (IDE), based on the latest version of the open-source Eclipse software framework, provides numerous updates, features and integrated tools to ease the software development experience.
Running on both Windows and Linux operating systems, version 6 is available in a number of different licence configurations, including several free options, reducing the cost of getting started on an embedded design. Code Composer Studio v6 is compatible across TI’s broad embedded processing portfolio including microcontrollers (MCUs), ARM-based processors and digital signal processors (DSPs).
App Centre, a brand new update, delivers the latest features and integrates additional TI software packages at no cost. Developers can install only the features they need at the time of development, but they also have flexibility to add other applications when needed. Examples of available software packages include TI-RTOS, MSP430Ware, C2000 controlSUITE, TivaWare, GUI Composer, C compiler for Sitara AM335x’s programmable real-time unit (PRU) and more.
Also new is a ‘simple mode’ which lets developers strip down the user interface to essential functionality. This allows new designers to get comfortable with the development environment quickly and later enable additional functionality. Enhanced learning tools such as Optimiser Assistant and Ultra-Low Power Advisor are provided to improve performance, code size and power consumption.
In addition to TI’s own C compiler, Code Composer Studio integrates GCC distributions for MSP430 MCUs, as well as ARM. This allows developers to leverage their existing GCC codebase when adopting TI platforms.
Version 6 also takes advantage of Energia, a new integrated open-source software framework. Energia provides easy to understand APIs; abstracted, intuitive libraries; and an active community. Users can then easily transition from the Energia development environment to the full-featured Code Composer Studio IDE to debug code and utilise other TI software packages.
While a platinum licence for all TI embedded processors is available for purchase, free lic-ences of Code Composer Studio are available when using a development board with an integrated debug interface or when using the XDS100 debug probe. MSP430 users can use a free 16 KB code size limited licence with the TI compiler or unlimited code size with GCC. The software is also free for Linux and Android application developers who do not require a JTAG debugger.
For more information contact Erich Nast, Avnet Kopp, +27 (0)11 319 8600, [email protected], www.avnet.co.za
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved
printer friendly version