"Wind River Delivers Suite of Multi-architecture Embedded Software Development Tools"
Wind River today announced the immediate availability of its latest suite of development tools, including Wind River Workbench 3.2, Wind River On-Chip Debugging 3.2 and Wind River Compiler 5.8, that can help a broad range of customers, including those in the automotive, industrial, and networking market segments, reduce device software development cycles, eliminate project delays and accelerate time-to-market. Wind River’s development tools enable greater choice and flexibility for customers, whether they choose to develop systems based on Wind River’s VxWorks and Wind River Linux operating systems or use their own choice of operating system.
“While Wind River is best known for its operating systems, we have been providing our customers with a rich set of development tools and support for many years,” said Tomas Evensen, chief technology officer, Wind River, and original creator of the Diab compiler. “The embedded device market is continuously evolving and a one-size-fits-all development tools approach is limiting. We are committed to delivering innovative development tools to support both our Wind River and non-Wind River operating systems while providing a level of integration, services and support not possible from the many smaller companies in the embedded tools market.” www.windriver.com
Lauterbach Announces Support for the Intel Atom Processor Series
Lauterbach have announced support for the Intel® Atom™ processor core based platforms for MID (Mobile Internet Devices) Menlow, Moorestown and Medfield.
The existing TRACE32® PowerDebug system has been enhanced for the new processor architecture, bringing a mature high end debugging solution to the Intel® Atom™ microarchitecture. The TRACE32 PowerView software includes a very efficient and user friendly HLL debugger for C and C++ as well as awareness for both Linux and Windows® CE RTOS. The tools can be connected to either Windows or Linux hosts via USB or Ethernet 10/100/1000. All TRACE32® PowerTools comply with the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive.
Lauterbach will be demonstrating this technology at the Embededed Masterclass. If in the meantime this is of interest - please contact barry.lock@lauterbach.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1256 333690 - www.lauterbach.co.uk
Workshop Explores Time Triggered Software for Mainstream Embedded Systems
This year's Embedded Masterclass will feature a half-day workshop that will explain the many advantages of using time-triggered software in mainstream embedded systems. Time-triggered (TT) architectures are widely used in safety-related systems such as aerospace and medical systems because they are known to provide highly-predictable behaviour, and reduced certification costs. As this workshop will make clear, use of TT architectures can also provide many advantages to developers of a much wider range of “deeply embedded” systems, not least because this approach can result in much-reduced testing costs.
In a time-triggered embedded system, there is only one interrupt enabled. This interrupt is usually linked to a timer, which will generate “ticks”: these ticks will, in turn, drive an appropriate (often very simple) operating system. During this workshop it will be argued that TT architectures can be (and should be) used more widely. Numerous examples of the use of TT architectures will be presented, and engineers will have the chance to try out various TT system designs for themselves and compare them with “event triggered” alternatives.
“Developing embedded systems is not easy, and there are no ‘silver bullets’”, stated Michael Pont.
“During this workshop, we won’t try to argue that a TT approach is a perfect match for all embedded systems (it isn’t). However, the workshop will conclude by suggesting that – as engineers start their next project – they should ask themselves: Should we use a time-triggered architecture this time? By the end of this workshop, we think they may be surprised how often the answer is: ‘Yes’.” - www.tte-systems.com
Blue Chip Technology and Aaeon Partner in Exclusive UK Partnership for Computer On Modules
Blue Chip Technology and Aaeon are pleased to announce the start of a new partnership which will further enhance their position in the Computer On Modules (COM) arena.
Blue Chip Technology have an established track record in the UK with its range of ETX modules and supporting design services and the strategic alliance with Aaeon will significantly expand the choice of COM boards Blue Chip Technology can offer to its customer base. Aaeon is a trusted global brand in the embedded marketplace, having established a leading edge manufacturing base and strong R&D capabilities. The Aaeon COM portfolio incorporates a broad choice of different industry formats and the latest innovations in processor technologies including a complete series of new Atom based boards.
The new product introductions will include COM Express, XTX and ETX cores, covering a wide range of CPU performances, power budgets, upgrade paths and price points which will meet the requirements of a large cross section of embedded applications. The COM design concept is particularly suited to this type of strategic partnership, allying a comprehensive range of COM cores to local, in-depth expertise in customer host board design – be it a ground up development or expert support in bringing up an in-house design project.
“Blue Chip’s position in the UK is built around its in-house design and manufacture capabilities, the embedded UK customer base has responded positively to local support and hands-on engineering expertise. “ explained Barry Husbands, Blue Chip Technology Managing Director. “We see this relationship as being very much an extension of this philosophy. We are not interested in becoming just another Sales channel for Aaeon – we will only offer product where we are confident we can maintain our high standards of support. Aaeon understand this and have made every technical resource available to underpin our product knowledge”.
www.bluechiptechnology.co.uk
Green Hills Software Joins ARM Solution Center for Android
Green Hills Software have announced corporate engineering support for the ARM Solution Center for Android, a collaborative resource for designers and developers of ARM technology-based products running on Android, the open source platform from the Open Handset Alliance™.
Green Hills Software provides INTEGRITY® Secure Virtualization (ISV) coupled with a complete ecosystem of software solutions that enable developers of Android-based devices to achieve higher levels of security, reduced power consumption, faster time-to-market, and more flexible usage and licensing models. Green Hills Software will demonstrate these benefits while working with the platform, OEM, and third party software vendors within the Android Innovation Center.
"We are pleased to join ARM Ltd. and its partners to provide solutions optimized for Android-based devices," said Gordon Jones, vice president of Green Hills Software’s Embedded Virtualization Business Unit. "Built on the world’s first and only Common Criteria EAL6+ operating system technology, INTEGRITY Secure Virtualization enables a range of powerful connected device use models, including multiple concurrent service provider instances and the deployment of security-critical applications sandboxed from the multimedia user environment."
"Android was written for the ARM architecture, the leading processor architecture for Internet everywhere applications from mobile to the connected home," said Kevin Smith, vice president of Segment Marketing, ARM. "ARM is fortunate to be able to cultivate a Partner ecosystem that ensures device manufacturers have the best development solutions at their disposal." www.ghs.com
Green Hills Software Supports Freescale P2020 Multicore Processor
Green Hills Software have announced a comprehensive software development and run-time management solution for embedded products based on the multicore Freescale QorIQ™ P2020 and P2010 communications processors. Components of the Green Hills Software development toolkit include the INTEGRITY® RTOS and INTEGRITY Secure Virtualization (ISV), optimizing C/C++ compilers for Power Architecture® technology, MULTI® integrated development environment (IDE), and high-speed hardware probes.
"Embedded systems designers seeking to maximize the performance-per-watt benefits of multicore technology will be drawn to the combination of the P2020 platform and software solutions from Green Hills," commented Ravi Swaminathan, director of software ecosystem alliances at Freescale. "Green Hills Software’s industry leading real-time operating systems and software development tools enable application developers to realize the maximum potential of our platform based on Power Architecture technology."
"The P2020 and P2010 achieve high performance with networking versatility in a low power envelope, enabling designers to dramatically increase the level of functionality in their embedded products," stated Robert Redfield, director of partner business development, Green Hills Software. "We are pleased to be working closely with Freescale to bring the world’s most reliable and robust operating system, virtualization, and software development solutions to this exciting platform."
Green Hills Software provides complete solutions for developing and deploying embedded real-time applications for Freescale QorIQ communications processors. Green Hills products provide for the development of totally reliable, absolutely secure, and maximum performance devices, in the least time and with the lowest development and manufacturing costs.www.ghs.com
Lauterbach High Speed Trace Technology is now available for the Freescale QorIQ P4xxx Processor family
This technology provides the same functionality as the well established Nexus3 trace but typically saves between 6 and 20 pins on the processor package.
This trace technology will be demonstrated for the first time in the UK at the Embedded Masterclass, demonstrating that the tools are capable of a speed of 6.25Gbits/sec on each of 3 channels. See link for more data.
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WANTED: Developers Looking for Worst-Case Execution Time of their C++ avionics software
SDC Systems have announces that it is launching a beta program for RapiTime’s support of C++. Developers of avionic software written in C++ will be able to use RapiTime’s on-target profiling capabilities to: measure execution times, track code coverage, and find worst-case execution times (WCET) for their applications. The full product release featuring C++ support will take place at the start of Q4, however early access to these capabilities is available through the beta program.
RapiTime has successfully supported a number of high profile avionic programmes using the C and Ada languages, and is now augmenting language support to include C++. “We recognize that C++ is becoming increasingly important in the avionics community” said Rapita Systems CEO, Guillem Bernat. “For that reason we are seeing strong demand for C++ support for RapiTime: a need that we are pleased to be able to meet”.
Bernat continued “We’ve decided to provide a limited number of projects with the opportunity to get early access to this new technology, via a beta program. Of course, this provides the beta users the opportunity to perform an in-depth evaluation of RapiTime without licence fees during the beta period.”
For further information about the RapiTime C++ beta program contact stuart.parker@sdcsystems.com - www.sdcsystems.com
Immersion Rated Portable Data Tokens and Designer’s Kits on Show at MedTec
Nexus GB set to show its range of memory products for medical device manufacturers
Nexus GB, the exclusive UK distributor of Datakey Electronics’ range of portable memory products, will be exhibiting at the MedTec exhibition and conference at the NEC on April 27 and 28. Nexus will be on stand 2250 in hall 20, where it will show its entire range of tokens and receptacles. In the medical device design industry, these products find applications ranging from anti counterfeit measures and product authentication to calibration and limit use.
Central to its stand will be its range of IP67 immersion rated and EMI reduction receptacles. The new product works with the company’s proven memory tokens, providing OEMs with a one stop shop for harsh-environment data needs. The range has several uses in medical applications where it is ideal for devices that will be autoclaved, sterilised or washed down when in use.
The new series, designated the SR4310, is also available in IP-65 (splash-proof) and IP-67-EMI (immersion-rated with Electromagnetic Frequency reduction) versions. “I think the key for medical OEMs is that this product is a long term memory solution,” explained Victoria Barrett, Nexus’ director of PR and marketing. “Unlike most models of USB memory or camera cards it won’t be obsolete by the time an OEM has brought a design to market. This can be the crux of the issue for medical applications which are often very long lead-time designs.”
Also on show will be Nexus’ family of serial development kits that provide all the necessary tools to build a simulated portable data system and test its features and benefits. The basic development kit covers the majority of Nexus’ range, whilst a specialist kit covers its managed memory tokens, which act as USB style portable data carrier devices without the drawbacks of a consumer style memory product.www.nexusgb.co.uk
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Hitex Design UK and Pebble Bay Collaboration Offers Important Resource for Hardware Software Integration
Hitex Design UK and Pebble Bay have agreed a strategic partnership that will enable the two companies to offer a uniquely capable service for software and hardware integration and embedded development. With Hitex Design UK a leader in hardware design and Pebble Bay a world leader in board support and device driver software, this collaboration is expected to be an attractive service to hi-tech development companies around the world; helping companies to accelerate development and develop better products.
"One of the major challenges of hi-tech development is the problem of enabling the software to interface with the hardware," said Ian Willats, Managing Director of Pebble Bay. "How well this is done impacts every aspect of the systems performance and reliability. Our collaboration with Hitex Design UK will enable us to offer manufacturers and developers a formidable resource that will help them develop new and innovative products and help them resolve issues with current designs."
Hitex Design UK has been involved in numerous designs over many years, covering hardware, embedded software and full system integration from concept to volume production. Pebble Bay offer independent software development services to a broad range of industries, from motor sport to defence, and from telecoms to medical. With a highly skilled and experienced team of software engineers, Pebble Bay help manufacturers develop new products by providing low level code solutions that enable their clients to quickly and reliably create new market beating products.
"This collaboration helps both of our companies expand our offering and expertise," said Michael Beach, Managing Director at Hitex Design UK. "Both companies have many decades of experience and proven success in their field, we are also geographically close and what we do is complementary - so it's a very good fit for us and we are excited to have reached this agreement."
Pebble Bay have also announced that they will be presenting a half-day technical workshop at this year's UK Embedded Masterclass event. Entitled "An Introduction to Hardware Interfacing and Device Driver Development" the workshop is intended to help engineers understand how software interfaces with typical embedded system hardware and to understand the purpose, structure and typical components of a device driver. www.pebblebay.com
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OEMs set to Save Space with Externally Mounted Rugged Portable Memory
~ No need to give up panel space or interior volume with Bar series memory keys and tokens ~
Nexus GB has released the Datakey Electronics Bar Series of rugged, portable memory products, consisting of memory tokens and mating receptacles. The Bar series receptacle features an on surface mounting system, which allows Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to add a portable data carrier to their product without giving up large amounts of panel space or interior volume. The series also features an IP-67 immersion rating and is designed to meet the requirements of the most demanding military and industrial applications.
The unique on-surface mounting style minimises the amount of interior space required, as only the receptacle's pins extend inside the OEM device. Also, the Bar Receptacle has a small footprint of only 5.3 cm 2. The receptacle is secured using two screws and an adhesive gasket, which also contributes to the Bar's IP-67 rating and provides a tamper-evident installation.
While originally designed to meet the requirements of tactical military applications like Crypto Ignition Keys (CIKs), the Bar can also be used in other harsh environment applications, such as: machine access control, calibration & parameter uploads, feature enable/disable, and data transfer.
Designed for use in the most challenging environments, the Bar series meets United States Department of Defence MIL-STD-810F specifications, including: shock, vibration, immersion, salt-fog, blowing dust, blowing sand, freezing rain and more. This is extremely useful for OEMs selling into the military as well as into commercial applications that have chosen to implement this influential standard.
The Bar has an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C (-40°C to +100°C storage) and has ESD (Electro Static Discharge) protection to greater than 15kV. Also, both the Bar token and receptacle are designed to minimise electromagnetic emissions, which is important in many military applications.
The Bar provides an intuitive slide-in/slide-out operation and features an open design for easy in-field cleaning, an important feature for tactical devices. The Bar token and receptacle have physical features to ensure that the token can only be inserted in the proper orientation, allowing for “by-feel” operation in the dark. The receptacle features a retention pin that provides tactile feedback when the token is fully inserted, and also helps keep the Token firmly in place during operation - standing up to the most demanding shock and vibration requirements.www.nexusgb.co.uk
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Mocana Wins Contract to Secure UAV Drones with Spark
Spark Integration Technologies have announced a technology partnership with Mocana to secure Spark’s Distrix™ information exchange product suite.
The agreement allows Spark to integrate Distrix with Mocana’s NanoDTLS™ device integrity API to prevent eavesdropping, tampering and message forgery of satellite communications managed by Distrix. Distrix enables customers to swiftly integrate Mocana’s encryption and authentication technology without requiring any rework to existing systems. This joint solution is already being used by Cahon Systems based in El Cajon, CA to retrofit large unmanned aerial vehicles and other assets in-the-field to secure voice and data communications between UAVs and ground stations in real-time operational scenarios.
Spark’s Distrix System Builder™ simplifies the design, coding, and implementation of distributed information exchange by providing graphical tools to describe the information and processes within systems and generate the code to link them together in the required configuration. By isolating the application logic from the environmental implementation, System Builder enables developers to change operational details such as the deployment platform and Quality of Service parameters without impacting application and interface logic.
NanoDTLS is Mocana’s super fast, super small DTLS solution specifically designed to speed product development while providing best-in-class device security services for resource-constrained environments. The Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) protocol provides communications privacy for datagram protocols. NanoDTLS is based on the stream-oriented TLS protocol, and allows datagram-based applications to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, or message forgery. The datagram semantics of the underlying transport are preserved by NanoDTLS, and applications built with it don’t suffer from the delays associated with stream protocols. NanoDTLS is open-standards based, extensible, extremely small footprint, platform-agnostic and includes an optional government-certified FIPS 140-2 level one-validated crypto core, and supports the NSA’s Suite B cryptography suite. Interested developers can request a free source code evaluation of NanoDTLS at http://www.mocana.com/nanodtls.html
“Our project specifications required an embedded solution that provided robust cryptographic coprocessor support on an ARM9 processor. We found that NanoDTLS exceeded the performance and platform requirements while being extremely easy to use,” said Chad Trytten, CEO of Spark. “The fact that we were dealing with Mocana – the recognized experts in device integrity – helped convince our customer that NanoDTLS was the best approach. In working with them, we were also tremendously impressed by Mocana’s quick and comprehensive support.”
Parasoft Corporation today announced the new release of Parasoft C++test, an integrated solution for automating a broad range of best practices proven to increase software development team productivity and software quality for C and C++. In this new release, Parasoft significantly expands the scope of C++test with the introduction of integrated runtime memory analysis that is suitable for both enterprise and embedded development.
“Software verification techniques such as static code analysis, runtime memory analysis, unit testing, and data flow analysis can each prevent and detect specific types of defects,” stated Wayne Ariola of Parasoft Corporation. “Now, with the latest release of C++test, development teams can apply all of these complementary techniques in concert. This integrated approach dramatically reduces the risk of going to market with the defects and security vulnerabilities that commonly evade traditional fragmented testing efforts.” www.parasoft.com
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