The idea is that System on Chip designers now have the option to use the powerful development toolchain IAR Embedded Workbench for SoC development using DesignStart Cortex-M processors, making development faster and more reliable.

The enhanced ARM DesignStart programme enables the creation of custom SoCs using the ARM Cortex-M0 and Cortex-M3 processors with no upfront license fee, and provides a verified subsystem for a wide range of applications, including IoT, sensor, control and mixed signal SoCs, as well as design services and support. Customized SoCs offer great product differentiation in terms of specific functional capabilities, but it is also important to focus on how software developers can get the best out of the hardware to reduce the overall system cost, achieve shortened time to market and produce reliable products.

IAR Systems plays a key role as it offers IAR Embedded Workbench which incorporates a highly optimizing C/C++ compiler, a powerful debugger, complete code analysis tools and all tools needed for efficient SoC code development in one single IDE. The strong technology is also complemented with global technical support and training.

IAR Systems SoC Director of Global Strategic Sales,Robert DeOliveira said that developing a SoC platform using IAR Embedded Workbench from the start will significantly help to overcome challenges such as system components integration, code complexity, and code optimisations for the target ARM MCU.

"SoC developers can rely on the efficiency, quality, flexibility and robustness that our development tools and outstanding support services provide," he said.