ESC 2008 Musings
ESC is finally over. I’m a free man! You might understand the significance if you take a look at the room (Fig. 1) where I spent most of my time meeting with vendor after vendor. For those who were not around in the 60s, the reference is from a single season TV show called The Prisoner starring Patrick McGoohan. It’s definitely worth your while renting the DVDs.
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Lantronix will be discussing its line of embedded wired and wireless networking solutions, including its recently announced Evolutions OS® SDK for MatchPort® AR and it MatchPort® b/g Pro.
Marty Hauff, Manager of Altium Designer Applied Technologies, discusses the Altium Innovation Station
Brent Pryzbus of Xilinx gives Embedded Editor Bill Wong an overview of the Virtex® -5 FXT Platform.
A discussion of development tools in the 10.1 ISE® Design Suite with Tom Hill of Xilinx and Embedded Editor Bill Wong.
Editorial Video from ESC
Christian Eder, VP of Marketing and cofounder of Congatec, explains the Qseven embedded PC module concept.
Noel Hurley, VP of Customer Marketing and Co-Founder of XMOS discusses Software Defined Silicon.
Daniel Kreindler, Director of Marketing for AKA, discusses Prism 405.
David Lamar, General Manager of the IC Business Unit for Epson, and David Jackson, Director of Marketing and Planning for E Ink discuss a new display controller IC.
Marti Konstant, Vice President of Marketing for Open Kernel Labs discuss a secure micro kernels.
Scott Robertson, Sr. Manager, Systems and Software Engineering for NXP, discusses the new ARM 926 embedded processor.
Gerard Andrews, Product Line Manager, Applications Processor for Texas Instruments, discusses OMAP35x Processors.
David Beck, Director of Technical Marketing for Symmetry Electronics, discusses trends in the emerging wireless market.
Dan Monopoli, product marketing manager for LeCroy, gives LeCroy's oscilloscope demo the inside track on Guitar Hero.
News from ESC
IAR Adds Development Support For New Devices
IAR Systems has added support in its IAR Embedded Workbench for two new microcontroller families: Atmel’s AVR XMEGA and Luminary Micro’s ARM Cortex-M3-based Stellaris devices.
MIPS Adds Hot Spot Analyzer For MIPS32 Cores
The Hot Spot Analyzer (HSA) is an Eclipse plug-in that provides non-intrusive profiling of software running on MIPS32 cores. The analyzer is built on the unique Zero Overhead Program Counter Sampling Feature that is included in the MIPS 24K, 34K, and 74K cores.
Ambric Offers Low-Power Massively Parallel Device
Using the company’s Structural Object Programming Model, Ambric’s Am2045 massively parallel processor array device offers leading edge performance with low power. The device is designed to meet the growing demands of embedded systems in signal processing, imaging, video processing, wireless, network security, and other industries.
Crossware Adds MMU Support To ARM Debugger
Crossware’s ARM Development Suite now supports the ARM9 memory management unit (MMU) and fast context switch extension (FCSE). The added support allows developers to quickly exploit the advanced memory management features of ARM9 chips like the Atmel AT91SAM9263 and Atmel AT91RM9200 microcontrollers.
Ampro Debuts Ubuntu-Based Embedded Linux
Ampro Computers Inc. has introduced Ampro Embedded Linux to support the company’s line of board-level embedded computers. Derived from Ubuntu packages, an increasingly popular form of Linux, Ampro Embedded Linux is a free, open-source, reduced-footprint operating system.
Rhapsody Development Suite Adds Eclipse Plug-in
To facilitate midstream adoption of model-driven development and accelerate the validation of real-time and embedded systems designs, recent enhancements to Rhapsody promise to decrease time-to-market through the support of MDD best practices that do not disrupt current project workflow.
Stackable Board Provides Eight USB Ports
Plugging directly into a StackableUSB SBC, the USB3368 adaptor board adds eight standard type A USB ports to the system. The breakout board is RoHS compliant and operates over a -40°C to +85°C temperature range. It can connect a StackableUSB SBC directly to a PC as a host or client with additional I/O devices.
ARM Processor Teams With StackableUSB
Said to be a first, the RCB1626 enlists an ARM core to create a controller on the 104 form factor with seven USB ports; five through a StackableUSB connector and two separate client USB ports. The board has dual network processing engines to drive the 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, allowing users to offload networking tasks from a server such as Ethernet filtering.
GPS Receiver Debuts As Market's Smallest
Measuring 1.85 by 1.78 inches, the USB1700 lays claim to being the smallest StackableUSB GPS receiver board on the market.
SW Tool Increases Visibility Of Source Code
LDRA has launched TBvision to provide code developers the ability to easily see how their source code performs against security vulnerabilities, fault-detection, and adherence to quality standards.
16-Bit PIC MCU Family Features USB OTG
With a 2.6-?A standby current, the 12-member PIC24FJ256GB1 microcontroller family is the lowest-power large-memory (up to 256 kbytes flash and 16 kbytes RAM) 16-bit MCU available, according to Microchip Technology Inc. It is also the only 16-bit MCU family with integrated USB 2.0 device, embedded host, dual-role, and on-the-go functionality, the company said.
Sensinode Leveraging TI RF SoC For IPv6
Sensinode Ltd. has joined the Texas Instruments Low-Power RF Developer Network. The technology innovation and licensing company is leveraging TI’s high-performance, IEEE 801.15.4-compatible rf system-on-a-chip (SoC), the CC2430/31, for its solutions targeting the Real-Time Enterprise through IPv6 over wireless mesh networks.
Monsoon Licenses On2’s Mobile Decoders
On2 Technologies has licensed its Hantro 4100 video decoder and 2600 Enhanced aacPlus audio decoder to Monsoon Multimedia for use in its mobile digital video player. The optimized decoders will allow Monsoon to offer higher performance and longer playback time to customers using its HAVA place-shifting solutions.
LeCroy Expands M-Type Scope Line
LeCroy Corp. has added six new models ranging from 200 MHz to 2 GHz to its M-Type oscilloscope line. The WaveRunner MXi and WaveSurfer MXs scopes come standard with a full set of analysis tools including WaveScan, an advanced search and analysis feature. This technology also has WaveStream, a fast viewing mode, and LabNotebook, a tool for documentation and report generation.
Controller Enhances Electronic Paper Displays
A joint venture, Epson Electronics America and E Ink have developed a display controller IC that delivers unique capabilities for E Ink's Vizplex-enabled electronic paper displays. The electronic paper display controller IC, part number S1D13521B, combines technologies from both Epson and E Ink.
USB Null Modem Eases PC Connectivity
Offering a quick and convenient method of inter-PC communication via USB ports, the NMC-2.5m USB-to-USB null modem cable features USB type A plugs at each end, that contain an FT232RQ USB-UART converter IC with supporting components on a small PCB.
IDE Provides Low-Cost, Industrial-Grade Development Tools
Embarking as a comprehensive Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for embedded systems, BenchX addresses the need for low-cost, industrial-grade software development tools. An Eclipse Europa CDT Release (4.0)-based platform, the IDE targets developers using the ARM, ColdFire architecture, Power Architecture technology, or MIPS architectures.
Socket/Drive Combo Provides Embedded Storage Solution
In collaboration, SiliconSystems and Samtec offer a turnkey solution for embedded storage applications by combining the SiliconDrive II USB Blade with the SiliconBlade Socket. The combo promises easy deployment of advanced storage technology into space-constrained designs.
Mentor Debuts Software Platform For Atmel MCUs
In order to unlock the full performance of Atmel devices, Mentor Graphics Corp. has launched a software platform integrated, validated, and optimized for the AT91SAM9 ARM926EJ-S-based microcontrollers. The platform provides developers an out-of-the-box foundation they can use to more quickly and cost-efficiently create, integrate, and deliver “smart” user interfaces.
XBee Module Delivers 15 Mile, LOS Transmissions
The XBee-PRO XSC, a 900-MHz RF module, provides up to 15 miles of RF line-of-sight (LOS) transmissions in a postage-stamp sized form factor.
Application Kit Helps Secure Embedded Devices
An updated version of Rabbit’s Secure Embedded Web Application Kit combines new sample security programs with additional software tools. Designers can use the kit, based on the Rabbit 4000, to easily implement Web and data security into their embedded applications.
Computers-on-Modules Meet Nano Specs
The company has published the complete specification and design guidelines for the nano computer-on-module format, designed as an extension to the COM Express (COM.0) specification published by the PICMG to include credit-card-sized modules.
Computer-on-Module Enlists Intel Atom Processor
The microETXexpress-SP Computer-on-Module employs an Intel Atom processor and offers full COM Express Pinout Type 2 compliance including SDVO graphics. Extending the COM Express specification to include a small module format (95 mm by 95 mm) with the commonly used COM Express Type 2 connector, the module provides graphics support with SDVO.
LabVIEW Revamps For ARM MCUs
Extending its reach, the LabVIEW graphical system design platform now offers an embedded module for ARM microcontrollers, targeting the ARM 7, ARM 9, and Cortex M3 MCU families. The module features LabVIEW drivers that allow users to graphically program all components of the MCU including the analog and digital I/O.
Virtex-5 FPGA Fortifies Customizable I/O Devices
Armed with Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGAs, the PXI-7841R, PXI-7842R, PXI-7851R, and PXI-7852R modules feature eight analog inputs, eight analog outputs, and 96 digital I/O lines. The modules deliver analog input rates that are more than 3.5 times faster than previously R Series offerings.
3.5" Touch TFT LCD Module Features Built-in Programmability
The ezLCD 3.5” programmable, color TFT LCD module features built-in intelligence that speeds development time for designs requiring small form-factor displays with a graphical user interface (GUI). Suitable applications include weight displacement meters, analyzers, and fitness equipment, to name a few.
8" Color LCD Promises Easy GUI Programmability
Offering the same features as the company’s ezLCD-101 Model, the ezLCD-105-EDK 8" incorporates built-in intelligence and quick connectivity, promising a virtually instant graphical user interface (GUI).
NI Embedded Control Platform Going To School
National Instruments’ CompactRIO embedded control platform has been selected as the robot controller for the next-generation FIRST Robotics Competition. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders.
Intel-Based ATCA CPU Blade Offers Performance, Flexibility
ADLINK Technology has announced the availability of the aTCA-6900, a next-generation AdvancedTCA (ATCA) blade featuring the latest Intel 5100 chipset, two quad-core LV-Xeon processors, and two AMC bays for enhanced performance, integration, and flexibility.
SBC Design System Cuts Costs, Risks
A new design methodology from Diamond Systems Corp. reduces costs and risks while simplifying designs for traditional users of stackable single-board computers (SBCs). The system consists of off-the-shelf applications-specific, I/O-intensive computer-on-module (COM) carrier baseboards used with industry-standard off-the-shelf ETX CPUs.
COM Express Module Features Advanced Computation And Graphics
Enlisting a Core 2 Duo processor and a GM965 chipset, the Express-MC800 computer on module (COM) enables high-end graphic tasks and computer-intensive applications such as video processing, biometrics, and data analysis and visualization.
Distributed Automation Controller Cuts Cabling Requirements
The DPAC-3000 from ADLINK Technology Inc. is a compact embedded controller for the machine automation industry that offers a distributed control solution for digital and analog I/O and motion control. The controller reduces cabling required by 15% to 20% compared to other Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) solutions.
PXI Controller Sets Performance Bench Marks
Embarking as the first PXI controller employing an Intel Mobile GME956 chipset and a Core 2 Duo T7500 Processor, the PXI-3950 lays claim to being the most powerful PXI controller on the market. In addition to the chipset and processor, the controller supports up to 4 GB of 667-MHz DDR2 memory, providing the performance necessary for high-end test-and-measurement applications.
Microsoft Outlines Road Map For Embedded Business
Microsoft Corp. has laid out the next phase in its strategy for the Windows Embedded Business, providing a road map outlining the renaming of its product family and plans for new solutions in key device categories. The solutions, which will be offered under the Windows Embedded Ready name, will ship as preconfigured toolkits providing in-demand market-specific features that allow device makers to build and ship next-generation smart, connected, service-oriented devices quickly.
LeCroy Protocol Analyzer Supports I/O Virtualization
An analysis package for the LeCroy Summit T2-16 protocol analyzer supports the new industry Single-Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV 1.0) standard and the Multi-Root I/O Virtualization (MR-IOV) standard. As PCI-SIG work group extensions to the PCI Express standard, these technologies allow one PCI Express system to behave simultaneously as several different machines using shared hardware.
Web-Based Development Environment Offers Faster Benchmarking
TechInsights and Timesys Corp. have jointly launched BenchLab.com, a complete, secure development environment for conducting hardware and software evaluations over the Web via a browser. BenchLab.com combines TechInsights’ VirtuaLab online lab environment and Timesys’ customizable LinuxR building environment to provide system architects and design engineers the ability to test hardware with benchmarks in a real lab environment from anywhere in the world.
Altium Innovation Station Covers More Devices, Functions
Altium Limited is expanding the Altium Innovation Station with a range of new daughter boards and plug-in peripheral boards that significantly widen the number of target devices and functionality available. The company introduced the boards at the Embedded Systems Conference in San Jose.
Gramma Tech Working On Static Analysis For Multi-Core Systems
Gramma Tech Inc. has won a DARPA contract to develop static-analysis technology for examining multi-core systems. The new technology focuses on identifying concurrent programming defects, which are notoriously difficult to find and manually debug.
PC/104+ SBC Enlists Low-Power Processor
In another incarnation, the Cougar PC/104+ SBC relies on an AMD LX800 that promises very low power consumption without sacrificing performance and enables fanless operation over a temperature range from -40° to +85°C. The processor delivers 800-MHz Celeron equivalent performance while drawing less than 5 W.
Processors Adapt To App requirements
Embedded Systems Conference, San Jose, CA. - The NS9215 and NS9210 embark as the industry's first microprocessors to include flexible interface modules (FIMS) that provide different hardware interfaces based on the needs of the design. Reportedly, FIMs reduce product design complexity and costs by reducing the number of necessary components.
Development Kit Supports ARM7-Based MCUs
For designers to develop, emulate, and ultimately migrate ARM7-plus-FPGA designs to company’s CAP7 customizable MCUs, the AT91CAP7X-DK development kit abets development of ARM7-based MCUs with custom peripheral sets not available on standard MCUs. It provides a motherboard with an extensive set of interfaces, controllable via device controllers embedded in the customizable AT91CAP7.
Eclipse-Based Debug Platform Comes Free Of Charge
Forecasting greater productivity in designing embedded systems, the company offers a free, Eclipse-compliant embedded debugging solution with sample Eclipse projects that run on many standard evaluation boards for hosting on Linux.
FPGA Platform Accelerates Real-Time App Development
For developing real-time applications in telecom/datacom, signal generation/recognition, algorithm acceleration, and test instrumentation the StreamBlade 5600 3U desktop or rack-mount FPGA-based processing platform is a stand-alone, real-time streaming I/O processing system utilizing a combination of FPGA, embedded, and general purpose processing nodes.
VersaLogic Debuts Low-Voltage Fanless SBC
The latest release of VersaLogic’s Cobra EBX single-board computer (SBC) features a low-voltage, 1.0-GHz Intel Celeron-M CPU and fanless operation, so there are no moving parts. The SBC, which is RoHS compliant, combines low power consumption with high reliability and a guaranteed five-year availability.
AdaCore Updates GNATbench Ada Development Environment
The latest release of AdaCore’s GNATbench Eclipse-based development environment for Ada was recently made at the Embedded Systems Conference in San Jose, Calif. The announcement supports tighter integration with WindRiver’s Workbench development suite and automatic integration with the large pool of software development capabilities already available within the Eclipse framework.
Small Form-Factor Qseven Platform Gains Support
Two embedded computer module vendors, MSC Vertriebs GmbH and Hectronic, have joined the Qseven consortium, throwing their support to the new small form factor. Targeting next-generation embedded processors built using 45-nm technology, the Qseven platform will offer high-performance computing power on a board measuring 70 by 70 mm.
RTI Supports Real-Time Messaging Over Lossy Networks
Real-Time Innovations has added support for lossy networks to RTI Data Distribution Service 4.3. Lossy networks—those that have uncertain or sporadic connectivity—are common in applications like defense, unmanned vehicles, oil production, and other resource-management uses.
Virtual Platform Adds Checkpoint/Restart Capability
Embedded Systems Conference, San Jose, CA. - Promising unprecedented debugging productivity for software developers, the company now includes what it's calling the first ever checkpoint/restart capability with its native SystemC virtual platforms. The addition allows users to focus on the execution sequence where the software bug occurs, reportedly not possible using physical hardware boards.
Quatech Introduces 802.11b/g Radio Module
The Airborne Embedded 802.11b/g radio module from Quatech Inc. is the company’s first product to include an SDIO/SPI host interface. The module, being introduced this week at ESC Silicon Valley in San Jose, also has a Bluetooth interface and features a small form factor.
Zensys Picks XPM Memory For Home-Control Applications
Zensys has selected the Kilopass Technology’s XPM one-time programmable memory technology for use in broadband wireless remote home-control applications. Zensys is using the XPM memory to store network and application data.
USB OTG MCU Family Grows
Expanding the PIC32 family of 32-bit MCU is a low-cost member with integrated USB 2.0 OTG functionality. Like all PIC32 USB OTG family members, it features a USB OTG PHY and gains support via the MPLAB IDE, MPLAB C30 C compiler, MPLAB REAL ICE emulation system, MPLAB ICD 2 in-circuit debugger, and the MPLAB PM3 universal device programmer.
Microsoft’s SPARK Your Imagination Program Goes Live
The SPARK Your Imagination community-focused program, a joint agreement between Microsoft Corp. and select hardware vendors, will bring a complete offering of hardware and software to nonprofessional developers through a simple and affordable model.
ARM Makes Major Upgrades To Cortex-M3
In its latest released of the Cortex-M3 processor, ARM has included a new Wake-Up Interrupt Controller (WIC) that allows almost instantaneous return to fully active mode from an ultra-low leakage retention state. The upgrade also introduces enhanced power-management features that address the ongoing need in the embedded market for increased performance and longer battery life in next-generation designs.
Host Processor Eyes Next-Gen Multimedia Apps
Embedded Systems Conference, San Jose, CA. – Announced as the latest member of the SH-Mobile series of application processors for portable multimedia systems, the SH-MobileR2 (SH7723) enables the design of products with multimedia capabilities suitable for personal navigation devices, portable media players, and video and voice over IP terminals.
Interactive Demo Platforms Ease MCU Assessment
Emerging as the industry’s first interactive software and hardware demonstration platforms for MCUs, the Sub-Atomic Particle Board demonstration platforms support the company's M16C, R8C, and H8 MCU families. The platforms promise to ease and accelerate the assessment of on-chip peripheral functions and system development tools by offering an integrated suite of hardware and software.
MCU Family Adds 50 More Members
Embedded Systems Conference, San Jose, CA. – A major expansion, the R32C/100 Series 32-bit MCUs adds 50 devices with on-chip flash memory and peripheral sets for automotive and other applications. The latest members provide speeds up to 64 MHz, FlexRay and CAN Controllers, and up to 1 MB of flash memory.
Tehuti Networks, AMCC Show Low-Cost 10GbE Storage Application
In collaboration with AMCC, Tehuti Networks Inc. is demonstrating 10GbE low-cost storage solutions at the ESC Silicon Valley in San Jose. The demonstration shows the performance of a Linux-based NAS appliance running on the AMCC RAID-accelerated PowerPC 440SPe storage processor using the Tehuti Networks TN7585-D Network Interface Cards (NICs) for high-performance 10GbE connectivity.
Embedded Database Deploys In Kernel Mode
To enable a high level of performance and determinism, the latest version of eXtremeDB Kernel Mode in-memory embedded database system deploys in the operating system kernel. This approach leverages the high priority, zero-latency responsiveness central to kernel tasks to meet the data sorting, access, and retrieval needs of applications that place key functions there.
Popular Development Platform Adds Virtex-4 Daughter Board
The Innovation Station development platform, which combines the Altium Designer electronics design software and the Desktop NanoBoard, adds a plug-in daughter board hosting a Xilinx Virtex-4 high-performance FPGA.
Embedded Platform Exploits Intel Atom Processor
Employing an Intel Atom processor Z500 series and system controller hub US15W, the company's small form-factor embedded platform targets battery-operated handheld devices in the military, medical, and infotainment markets.
Compact Module Features Intel Atom
With an eye on power consumption, the conga-CA COM Express module supports an Intel Atom processor Z500 series and a US15W system controller hub. The 95 mm by 95 mm module consumes less than 5 W (typical) and supports up to two PCI Express Lanes, eight USB 2.0, two Serial ATA, one IDE interface, and high-definition audio.
Debug Engine Supports Automotive MCUs
PLS Development Tools’ universal debug engine, UDE 2.4, addresses Freescale’s MPC5510 Power Architecture 32-bit MCU family with real multicore debugging within one user interface.
COM Module Enlists Intel Atom Processor
To lower power consumption while supporting ultra-mobile, Internet-connected battery-powered embedded devices, the Express-MLC COM Express type 2 module enlists an Intel Z500 series Atom processor and a US15W system controller hub. Sporting a smaller footprint, the Atom processor shares the same architecture as Core 2 Duo processors and supports hyper-threading technology.
Compiler For PIC MCUs Features Enhanced Code Generation
Hi-Tech Software has released its ANSI C Compiler v9.60: Hi-Tech C Pro for the PIC10/12/16 MCU Family. Based on the PICC STD compiler and supporting Microchip’s PIC10/12/14/16 series of microcontrollers, the compiler comes with Omniscient Code Generation, which extracts information from multiple source files simultaneously, allowing more intelligent state-of-the-art code generation.
Atmel Debuts On-Chip Debugger For AVR32 MCUs
Atmel’s AVR ONE! high-end on-chip debugger for the AVR and AVR32 microcontrollers speeds up programming and supports non-intrusive observation and logging of embedded system performance. This offers software engineers a clear view of real-time system behavior without affecting or modifying the real-time characteristics of the microcontroller.
1U MicroTCA Platform Is Highly Integrated
Designed for equipment manufacturers and application developers, the MTC5070 MicroTCA platform from Performance Technologies is a highly integrated, full-featured cost-efficient 1U MicroTCA offering.
Express Logic Enters IDE Market With BenchX
Expanding beyond its real-time OS and middleware markets, Express Logic Inc. has introduced BenchX, a comprehensive Eclipse-based integrated development environment (IDE) for embedded systems. The Eclipse community’s contributions to IDE technology have allowed BenchX to be introduced as a mature, commercial product that is well-suited for developers using ARM, ColdFire, PowerPC, or MIPS architectures, according to Express Logic.
One Stop Introduces 6U CPCIe CPU Board
With support for up to five CPCIe add-in boards and four CPCI boards, the 6U CompactPCI Express CPCIe CPU board from One Stop Systems is well-suited for OEMs migrating from CPCI to CPCIe. The board, which is being introduced at ESC, offers two PCI Express x8 (PCIe) links and four PCIe x4 links to the backplane while providing Core-Duo performance.
PMC Modules Enlist Virtex-5 FPGAs
The PMC-VSX PMC I/O modules pair a reconfigurable, DSP-optimized Virtex-5 FPGA with large banks of DDR2 DRAM and dual-port SRAM for executing complex algorithms through the PCI bus. A high-throughput PCI-X interface ensures ample bandwidth to rapidly move data.
PC/104 Consortium Okays PCI/104-Express Spec
To address the needs of current and future stackable embedded PC applications, the PC/104 Embedded Consortium has adopted the PCI/104-Express and PCIe/104 specification. The new stackable PCI Express bus can be immediately incorporated across the Consortium’s 104 EPIC and EBX form factors.
Low-Power Platforms Penetrate Multimedia Markets
Poised for wireless multimedia applications, Ceva next generation silicon platforms come in two versions: the XS-1100A for wireless handheld applications and the XS-1200A for multimedia and other applications requiring higher-performance signal processing.
Netrino Launches Embedded Software Boot Camp
Netrino’s Embedded Software Boot Camp is a hands-on, one-week training course designed to develop and strengthen the embedded software programming expertise of individuals and teams. The program is available immediately to interested engineering teams. In addition, a public session of the program will be held June 9-13, 2008 at Netrino’s headquarters in Maryland.
