You need a set of compiler tools that can
take C, C++ or assembly language and produce reliable code
for your embedded target. You also need flexibility in
code optimizations for space, execution speed, or some
middle ground in between, and you need a complete set of
compiler tools that are robust.
The EDGE C/C++ Compiler
The EDGE C/C++ Compiler is a complete
cross-compiler solution that includes a compiler,
assembler, and linker, all designed exclusively for
building embedded applications. The same people who have
been building Microtec compilers for 20 years created the
new toolchain, and it is packed with features that
embedded developers need.
- Aggressive optimizations are tailored
to take advantage of processor instruction set
architectures
- Support for variants of the ARM
processor families is easily added through the use of
XML files describing variant-specific items, without
requiring a tools update
- Support for compiler extensions like
“interrupt” and “asm” minimize the need for hand-coded
assembly routines
- Compliant with ANSI C and C++
standards
- High resolution object control with
the new linker and command files
- Compatible with objects produced by
ARM, Ltd. and GNU compiler tools
Processor Variant Support
The EDGE C/C++ Compiler introduces
several new technologies for compilers. The first is
Dynamic Variant Support™, which allows you to modify
information about the instruction set architecture and
registers for a processor. This is especially useful, for
example, in correcting processor instruction errata
without modifying the compiler. The DVS files provide all
the information that the compiler needs to know to correct
the problem.
Detailed Linker Control
Placing embedded object sections by hand
it tedious, error prone, and time consuming. Even the most
patient developer can get frustrated placing areas in ROM,
FLASH ROM, or RAM. Fine Grained Allocation™ simplifies
this problem by letting the linker read from text-based
command files. This lets you control exactly what goes
where, without the headaches of maintaining #pragma
directives across a number of files.
Easy to Use Map Files
Reading a linker map file is easy with
the new EDGE C/C++ Compiler linker. The map file is an XML
file, viewable through a web browser. The file contains a
number of listings, including a copy of the FGA command
file. Segments are displayed clearly, and elements can be
sorted in a number of ways with a mouse click. There is
also a clear section summary available.

EDGE linker map file showing
region information and summary
The Microtec C/C++ Compiler
The Microtec C/C++ Compiler is a
complete cross-compiler solution for the Freescale PowerPC
and ColdFire families. The toolset has been an
industry-leader in reliable code generation for a number
of years, and it includes a compiler, assembler, and
linker, all designed exclusively for building embedded
applications. The tools include added intelligence to
streamline memory usage and assist engineers in placing
their code in RAM, ROM, or FLASH for the best performance
possible.
Product Highlights
- The Microtec compiler toolchain uses
aggressive optimization to get the most out of your
processor architecture
- Support for variants of the PPC
processor families are easily added through the use of
XML files describing variant-specific items, without
requiring a tools update
- Position-independent code (PIC) and
position-independent data (PID) are supported
- Flexible code and data segmentation
enables easy ROMing of applications
- Support for keywords like “interrupt”
and “asm” minimize the need for hand-coded assembly
routines
- Compliant with ANSI C and C++
standards