THINGS TO COME Atmel just released the architecture, with chips coming within a few months. Likewise, the Java support will appear in this timeframe as a complete runtime. Development tools are still in the works, though. Expect a version with a pair of built-in Ethernet controllers and another with a single controller. Atmel already has a stable of analog and digital peripherals that likely will show up in these chips.
Developers will be able to get their hands on Atmel's STK1000, which will include AVR Studio and the open-source gcc C/C++ compiler. Linux 2.6 kernel support also will be available, but expect a number of other options.
IAR's EWAVR32 KickStart development kit provides access to an optimized C/C++ compiler and development system. IAR also will have a version of visualState, its model-driven design tool for statemachine development. Both development platforms will support the advanced DSP and SIMD instructions.
The development tools will be able to take advantage of a range of debugging features, from on-chip trace (including dual data trace channels) to half a dozen hardware code breakpoints and two data breakpoints. The code and data breakpoints can be combined for more complex real-time support. The AVR32 implements the Nexus Class 3+ debugging standard.
Initial benchmarks show the AVR32 competing very favorably with its 32-bit rivals. This is especially true for multimedia applications. The initial AVR competed very well with existing 8-bit microcontrollers, becoming a very popular, low-power alternative. The AVR32 is poised to follow in its footsteps.
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