TASKING's C166 Tool Suite Provides Superior Project Management and Robust Code

Dedham, MA, September 18, 2000—TASKING, The Embedded Communications Company, announced its latest release of the C166 Tool Suite V7.0, introducing a higher-performance EDE, complete with enhanced error checking for SAFER C and a faster, more efficient C/C++ compiler. To reduce time-to-market, the C166 Tool Suite, complete with upgraded EDE, optimized C and C++/EC++ compilers, CrossView Pro debugger and on-chip debug support, enables managers to organize large, complex projects through new grouping functions and specific management tools. Geared to support all available C166 architectures including upcoming second-generation extended architectures like C166S V2, recent benchmarks show that the TASKING C166 tools are smallest in code size and fastest in run-time speed, thanks to the latest C/C++ compiler optimizations. As well, floating-point libraries now come with significantly improved single- and double-precision float calculations. These improvements, along with the SAFER C enhancements, enable developers to generate code for safety-related embedded applications more efficiently and error free.

"The added features of TASKING's latest version of the C166 Tool Suite give developers what they need to gain significant improvements in the quality and robustness of their code," says Dieter Stengl, Sr. Director of Tools and Software, Cores & Modules Division, MCUs at Infineon Technologies. "A code size reduction of up to 7.5 percent on an application in the wireless communication industry marks a significant achievement, which is furthered by TASKING's faster reentrant floating-point libraries and support for Infineon's second generation extended C166S V2 architecture."

"With these major enhancements to the C166 Tool Suite, developers can take advantage of the strengths of the Infineon C166 architecture, while shaving a considerable amount of time off development, thanks to the faster float calculations, compiler optimizations and better project management capabilities," notes Brian Mulcahey, TASKING's Vice President of Worldwide Corporate Marketing. "As well, with the C166 Tool Suite, TASKING extends its leadership as the only vendor to provide complete coverage of the entire Infineon processor line."

To meet the needs of developers of varying skill levels, the redesigned EDE offers new Easy and Expert tool configuration modes. Project Spaces, which groups multiple projects into one view, allows managers to better handle increasingly large or complex projects. Features, such as Tag Browsing and CodeSense, give developers graphical cross-references and advanced coding assistance that save development time and maximize efficiency.

Because embedded devices for the automotive industry must run as error-free as possible, the new Tool Suite offers SAFER C, an enhanced error-checking capability that includes an additional set of configurable C language error-checks. Further safety precautions are available through compiler and assembler warnings that can be configured to halt the build process, helping developers quickly locate and neutralize problems before they multiply. By providing design engineers the tools to develop robust, error-free code, TASKING enables companies to reduce the amount of time they spend in product testing and eliminate considerable after-sales support.

Availability:
The TASKING C166 Tool Suite, V7.0, is available now on MS-Windows, Sun/Solaris, HP/UX and PC/Linux. C166 customers with an active maintenance contract may upgrade to this release free of charge. A demo version of the Tool Suite is available from www.tasking.com/C166 or on CD-ROM from any of the TASKING offices or distributors. Release notes and manual files can be downloaded from the technical support area at www.tasking.com/support/C166.

About TASKING
TASKING, the Embedded Communications Company, brings together the software technology needed to compete in the embedded communications era. TASKING's award-winning integrated development environment, compiler, debugger, embedded Internet and RTOS offerings support a wide range of DSPs and 8-, 16- and 32-bit microprocessors and microcontrollers for all areas of embedded communications. TASKING, founded in 1974, is a privately held company with headquarters in Dedham, Massachusetts, and engineering, sales and support offices in California, The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK. TASKING's 100,000 licensed users include the world's leading telecom, datacom, wireless and peripheral manufacturers. More information about TASKING can be found at www.tasking.com and www.embeddedcommunications.com.

TASKING, the TASKING logo, and The Embedded Communications Company are trademarks of TASKING. All other trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

PRESS CONTACT:
Janice Hughes
Hughes Communications
860-434-3782
janice.hughes@att.net

MARKETING CONTACT:
Brian Mulcahey
TASKING, Inc.
781-320-9400, Ext. 225
brianm@tasking.com

ASIAN MARKETING CONTACT:
Toshihiro Tada
Nihon TASKING, K.K.
+81-3-3457-6831
tada@tasking.co.jp

EUROPEAN MARKETING CONTACT:
Astrid Appelhof
TASKING Software BV
+31-33-455-8584
astrid.appelhof@tasking.com

TASKING Inc., 333 Elm Street, Dedham, MA 02026-4530. Tel: 781-320-9400; Fax: 781-320-9212.