Tasking - C compiler for Nios® II

TASKING VX-toolset for Nios II, v2.0

The TASKING VX-toolset for the Nios II brings to developers the power of Altium’s sophisticated, next-generation Viper C compiler technology framework, allowing them to take full advantage of the popular FPGA-based Nios II embedded processor from Altera. With its Viper technology, the TASKING VX-toolset for Nios II is able to generate code with the level of execution speed and code density needed for tomorrow’s automotive, industrial and communications applications. The Nios II compiler features state-of-the-art capabilities such as MISRA C code checking, profiling through code instrumentation and run-time error checking. The TASKING VX-toolset for Nios II comprises:

• Plug-in for Eclipse based IDE from Altera
• Viper-based C/C++ compiler
• Assembler with macro-preprocessor
• C libraries, run-time libraries, floating-point libraries
• Linker and locator

The toolset provides a perfect ‘drop in’ replacement for the GNU based compiler provided with Altera’s Nios II Integrated Development Environment, offering significantly better performance on code speed and density.

The C compiler included in the TASKING VX-toolset for Nios II is also included as part of Altium Designer, available separately from Altium. Altium Designer is the industry’s first and only unified design system that incorporates all the technologies and capabilities necessary for complete electronic product development. Altium Designer brings together hardware, programmable hardware and software design within a single, unified design environment, and can significantly speed application development by fully harnessing the potential of large-scale programmable devices.

The Nios II VX-toolset overview

• The toolset integrates seamlessly into Altera’s Eclipse based IDE
• Wizards in the Altera IDE remain fully functional with/for the TASKING toolset
• Easy configuration of toolset and project options
• User selectable compiler from the menu, enabling fast switching between Altera and TASKING

• Based on Altium's next-generation Viper compiler technology "Viper eXperience"
• Tested against authoritative validation suites, such as Perennial and Plum Hall
• ISO C'99 compliant
• Supports GCC language extensions
• Source code compatibility with compilers included in Altium Designer, allowing easy migration to Altium’s unified design environment
• MISRA C enhanced code-checking conform the MISRA-C:1998 and MISRA-C:2004 guidelines
• Supports MISRA ‘required’ and ‘advisory’ rule settings
• Advanced optimization technologies enable performance gains of 40% on code speed and 20% on code density compared with GCC
• Built-in extensions to improve application code efficiency and stability:
  • Run-time error checking
  • Code profiling through code instrumentation
  • Syntax and semantic checks
• Standard C and ANSI/IEEE-754 floating-point libraries

Nios II macro assembler, powerful linker/locator

• Versatile assembler and linker/locator are delivered with the toolset
• Industry standard ELF/Dwarf 2.0 output formats
• When integrated into the Altera IDE, the GCC based linker is used for interoperability with existing libraries and third party solutions

Purchasing the TASKING VX-toolset for Nios II

Ordering codes

The VX-toolset for Nios II is available on PC/Windows; Sun/Solaris and PC/Linux on request.