Development tool for interactive real-time graphical applications under Unix and Windows. The VAPS tool sets helps you build real-time graphical human-to-machine interfaces. The suite includes entry-level prototyping through advanced applications running on multiple platforms. VAPS/Prototyper ($9500) is an entry-level tool for human-factor specialists and designers whose need to prototype real-time interactive graphical applications. VAPS/Designer ($16,500) suits advanced, real-time, interactive, graphical prototypes. VAPS/Developer ($34,500) generates C code for working beyond the prototyping phase. VAPS/Rehost ($41,500) is a complete development tool from prototyping through deployment on multiple target platforms. The VAPS/C-Code Generator ($10,000 for Windows) lets you create an application under Unix and then generate C code for the application to run under Windows on PCs. The tool confines development, debugging, and maintenance to just the Unix version, simplifying development. The C-code generator for Windows costs $10,000. Virtual Prototypes Inc, Montreal, PQ, Canada. (514) 341-3874.

Real-time kernels for Motorola IDP board with 68060 processor have 2-µsec context switch. The ROMable C Executive multitasking operating-system kernel has 14 of its 56 system calls identical to those of Unix. The PSX real-time kernel adds 55 Posix.1 system calls to the basic C Executive kernel. Systems calls are an execute-only subset of the system calls normally on Unix workstations. The initial copy of C executive costs $2500, dropping to $20 (1000). The initial copy of PSX costs $3750, dropping to $30 (1000). JMI Software Systems Inc, Spring House, PA. (215) 628-0840.

Modular ICE for 68300 microcontrollers lets you tailor price/performance. The Vision/Control base system ($3150) includes a target controller for the VisionICE in-circuit emulator (ICE). Vision/Control configures and coordinates the operation of all other hardware and software modules and can function as a stand-alone, background-debugging-mode emulator. It includes a hardware diagnostic executive, a flash-memory-programming interface, and a high-speed parallel download. The Vision/Event module ($4600) provides 64 hardware comparators, which you can combine and nest up to eight levels deep. You can use the event outputs to break execution or to trigger a fully selectable 64,000-framex144-bit, real-time trace buffer. You can view this trace buffer while the target system continues to run in real time. The Vision/Net card ($2450) adds Ethernet-network capability, and the Vision/Mem module ($1000) provides up to 1 Mbyte of overall emulation memory. Embedded Support Tools Corp, Canton, MA. (617) 828-5588.

40-MHz microcontroller delivers zero-wait-state performance from 70-nsec memory. The AM188EM microcontroller provides the address externally a half-cycle early, eliminating the need for external address latching. The microcontroller provides an 8-bit data bus, synchronous and asynchronous serial ports, and 32 bidirectional, programmable I/Os. The device also includes a 16-bit reset-configuration latch, six external and seven internal interrupt channels, an en-hanced chip-select function offering up to 15 wait states, and a program-mable clock driver. The chip is available in 10-, 25-, 33-, and 40-MHz versions in TQFPs and PQFPs. From $8 (10,000). Advanced Micro Devices Inc, Austin, TX. (512) 602-5651.

68HC16 development kit supports C-language development. The 68HC16 development kit includes an ANSI-compatible C cross-compiler. The software supports the address space of the device and uses the multiply-accumulate and DSP features of the device. It allows near, far, and huge pointers to functions or data, providing different memory models for data sizes from 64 kbytes to 1 Mbyte. The development kit also includes a structured assembler that includes a C preprocessor, allowing full use of ANSI C macros, conditional statements, and C-include files within the assembler. Other features include a linker, a high-level simulator/debugger with full symbolic and C source-level simulation, and a built-in assem- bler/disassembler for manipulation of code during runtime debugging sessions. $1495. IAR Systems Software Inc, San Francisco, CA. (415) 765-5500.

Real-time OS for PowerPC offers improved read/write performance. LynxOS version 2.3 offers a file system that provides faster read and write performance than the 2.2.1 release. The new version also offers an improved Gnu's Not Unix (GNU) development tool chain and updates all compilation tools, including GDB, GCC, G++, and Make, to the 2.6 Cygnus-Standard release. The new version is ANSI-compliant and supports graphics-card, Peripheral Component Interconnect, enhanced Ethernet, SCSI, and en-hanced integrated-device-electronics cards. Prices range from $3000 to $6000. Lynx Real-Time Systems Inc, Los Gatos, CA. (408) 354-7770.

Prototyping platforms for 32- and 64-bit RISC and CISC systems let you evaluate CPUs. The Cogent Modular Architecture (CMA) prototyping platforms let you interchange CPU modules from major IC vendors to evaluate performance with different CPUs. Available processors include the Advanced Micro Devices 29000; the IBM PowerPC; Integrated Device Technology MIPS; Intel i960; the Motorola 68000, 683XX, and PowerPC. The system connects to a Sun or PC host via a serial port or Ethernet and works with the complete Gnu's Not Unix (GNU) C/C++ tool chain. Base systems start at $1995, and CPU modules start at $795. Cogent Computer Systems Inc, Marlborough, MA. (508) 624-6447.

Eight-slot PCI system board with i960 RISC processor targets embedded-system applications. The SB08 has Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) slots that let you use industry-standard PCI I/O cards for fast and inexpensive development. The system board uses sectored, in-circuit-programmable flash ROM for downloading application code. Initialization and PCI BIOS routines reside in write-protected sectors. The board uses two local-bus-to-PCI bridge devices supporting peak transfer rates to 132 Mbytes/sec. DRAM capacity ranges from 2 to 128 Mbytes in standard 72-pin SIMM sockets. The company offers real-time-development environments for the board from Integrated Systems and Wind River Systems. The SB08-JF33-102 costs $968 (1000). Cyclone Microsystems, New Haven, CT. (203) 786-5536.

Embedded controller integrates peripheral functions and offers 61,000-dhrystone/sec performance. The PowerPC 403GB, a 32-bit 28-MHz microcontroller, targets printers, scanners, set-top boxes, and X-terminal applications. The controller integrates a two-channel DMA controller, a DRAM controller, an I/O controller, two-way set-associative instruction and data caches, a multilevel interrupt controller, multiple timers, and a flexible bus interface to allow direct attachment of memory and peripherals. Power consumption is 200 mW at 28 MHz. The device comes in a 28-pin PQFP and costs $45 (1000). The 33-MHz PowerPC 403GA is also available and costs $53 (1000). A 25-MHz version of the 403GA costs $49 (1000). IBM Microelectronics, Hopewell Junction, NY. (800) 769-3772.

Real-time debugger hardware for 80386 and 80486 processor-based systems. Embedded Periscope is a line of real-time debugger-hardware products for embedded-software developers. The product provides capabilities similar to those of in-circuit emulators at a cost of $3000 to $4000, depending on the target environment. The initial offering will include compatibility with Phar Lap and Soft-Scope software tools. The Periscope Co Inc, Atlanta, GA. (404) 888-5335.

JTAG emulation for the PowerPC links cross-development activities. The NetROM JTAG product provides a communication path between the target system being debugged and the host development station. Communication with the target system is through the target's ROM socket or UART. Communication with the host system is via Ethernet, eliminating the need for Ethernet hardware or software on the target system. You can nonintrusively single-step code, set breakpoints, and run memory tests and other functions. The tool's ROM-emulation capability lets you download up to 1 Mbyte of code in 18 sec. $5595. Xlnt Designs Inc, San Diego, CA. (619) 487-9320.

C++ development tools for 680x0 µPs. This tool set includes the Xray debugger, a C++ compiler, an assembler, a linker, and the Xray MasterWorks productivity tools. According to the company, the C++ compiler suits embedded-software development and conforms to the Annotated Reference Manual standards. New features of the compiler included templates to simplify reuse of source code and exception handling that provides efficient recovery from synchronous errors. The compiler directly compiles C++ source code into object code, resulting in fast compilation. From $4250. Microtec Research Inc, Santa Clara, CA. (408) 980-1300.

16-Mbit flash memory mimics the operation of a standard disk drive. The NM29M16 suits use in embedded applications. It operates from a single 5V supply and comes in a 44-pin TSOP. $52 (1000). National Semiconductor Corp, Santa Clara, CA. (800) 272-9959.

SCSI-2 board for VMEbus supports a variety of real-time operating systems. The PT-VME432 works with HP-UP, SunOS, Solaris, Microware OS/9, and Wind River VxWorks. The board provides VME 64 and SCSI-2 compatibility, making it possible to move data at a sustained rate of 17 to 19 Mbytes/sec. It accommodates as many as 30 SCSI-2 devices. From $2195. Performance Computer, Rochester, NY. (716) 256-0200.

Real-time operating system supports a wide variety of 8-, 16-, and 32-bit processors. RTXC V3.2, a multitasking, real-time executive, provides a ROMable and configurable operating system. The operating system supports a range of CISC, RISC, and DSP microcontrollers and µPs, including the Hitachi H8/5xx, the IBM PowerPC, the Intel 80x86, the Motorola 68xxx and MC68HC11/16, the NEC V20/25/53, the Siemens 80C165/166/167, the Texas Instruments TMS320C3x, and the Zilog Z80/Z180. The company distributes the royalty-free real-time operating system in ANSI C source code. It provides over 70 kernel services in task management, semaphore services, queue services, mailbox and message services, memory management, and timer management. From $1495. Embedded Systems Products Inc, Houston, TX. (713) 728-9688.

Alpha AXP-based single-board computer has VME and PCI local-bus interfaces. The VMEAlpha64/XP single-board computer is based on the 275-MHz 21064 Alpha AXP RISC processor and provides peak execution of 550 MIPS. The two-board, 6U module incorporates an optional i960 RISC I/O coprocessor, D64 transaction support, configurable cache and memory, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus for high-performance Ethernet, SCSI-2, and a 64-bit VMEbus interface. Other features include six independent 32-bit counter/timers, a 32-bit, 33-MHz local I/O bus, a 128-bit local bus with parity for processor-to-secondary cache and main-memory data exchange, and four RS-232C ports. From $11,995. Aeon Systems Inc, Albuquerque, NM. (505) 828-9120.

Windows-based development tools and operating system for Intel and Motorola processors. The VRTXsa Developer's Kit for Windows is available for the Motorola 68000/68300 processor family or for protected-mode applications using the Intel 80386, 80486, or Pentium processors. The kit includes the company's C compiler; the Xray debugger for cross-development and debugging of VRTXsa applications; the VRTXsa real-time operating-system kernel for task scheduling, memory management, and communications; and a board-support package for a variety of single-board computers. The developer's kit for either Motorola and Intel processors costs $5800. Microtec Research Inc, Santa Clara, CA. (408) 980-1300.

Device generates encrypted signals for remote, keyless entry applications. The HiSec Rolling Code Generator provides a different signal with each transmission, offering improved security over keyless encryption systems that send a fixed code. The device combines the contents of several dynamic data registers in a nonlinear manner that produces an encoded output. Data in the registers comprise a mixture of user- and factory-programmable and randomized data. The data are encrypted by clocking through a nonlinear logic block and feeding part of the output back to produce the final result. The device costs $1.50 (OEM) for a turnkey solution. National Semiconductor Corp, Santa Clara, CA. (800) 272-9959.

Logic-test systems let you store or generate up to 1 million samples. The logic-analyzer version of the ET-1MEGplus provides 16 logic-analyzer channels operating at 25 MHz or eight channels at 50 MHz. The waveform-generator version provides 16 digital channels operating at 25 MHz or two analog channels. You can use other boards together for up to 64 digital channels of waveform generation or logic analysis. The logic analysis version also provides two clock qualifiers, a trigger qualifier, and multilevel triggering. The logic analyzer system costs $6295, and the waveform generator system costs $6595. Emulation Technology Inc, Santa Clara, CA. (408) 982-0660.

AT-compatible SBC suits embedded-control applications. The AT-compatible PrimePlus single-board computer (SBC) comes in a 8x9-in. form factor. In addition to standard processor and I/O functions, the board has a ROM disk, SVGA graphics for driving CRTs and LCDs, key-switch scanning, a watch-dog timer, two RS-232C/422/485 ports, power manage- ment, and expansion capability for both standard ISA cards and the company's miniature expansion modules. The board costs $571 (100). Dovatron International Inc, Longmont, CO. (303) 772-5933.

Single-board computer has 486DX in a PC/104-compatible module. The PC/II+i OEM2-4/104F module comes with either a header- or socket-style, 16-bit PC/104 interface. An ISA bus-compatible format is also available. The 4x4-in. board includes a CPU, a local-bus super-VGA video/LCD controller, an Ethernet interface, SCSI, floppy-disk and serial/parallel ports, 2 Mbytes of flash disk, a 32-bit DRAM data bus, an AT-compatible BIOS, and a built-in 8-kbyte cache with floating-point unit (FPU). The board operates from a single 5V power supply and requires 6W. It costs $1495. A 386SL version without an FPU and a cache starts at $995. Megatel Computer Corp, Weston, ON, Canada. (416) 245- 2953.

Graphical programming environment for developing signal- and image-processing applications. The ProtoPIPE graphical development environment includes a multiformat data viewer and a library of >200 signal- and image-processing algorithms and utilities. You create the application by graphically connecting the algorithms in an object-oriented design window. The software runs under SunOS 4.x and Solaris 2.x. A single-user floating license costs $10,000. The company also offers an Sbus card with a TMS 320C80 processor that provides 1 billion operations/sec. The S/IP80 card accelerates ProtoPIPE and includes a multistandard video digitizer and audio codec. The S/IP80, including the ProtoPIPE graphical programming environment, costs $27,000. General Imaging Corp, Billerica, MA. (508) 262-2262.

ICE supports i960 Jx RISC processors. The TMax 5302 in-circuit emulator (ICE) accommodates the i960 JA's 3.3V operation and the JD's clock-doubled operation. Features include real-time processor emulation and tracing, complex-sequential-event/breakpoint capability, register and memory access, up to 8 Mbytes of emulation memory, source-level debugging, a high-speed parallel interface, and a bit-image display. The device lets you upgrade earlier versions of the modular TMax 5000 emulation systems. From $30,000. Topmax Corp, Mesa, AZ. (602) 730-2530.

Software-development system simulates and debugs embedded-PowerPC applications. SingleStep for embedded PowerPC-applications has an instruction-set simulator that executes >7500 instructions/sec. The development system is compatible with the 600 series PowerPC devices developed by Apple Computer, IBM, and Motorola; the 500 series from Motorola; and the 400 series Embedded Controller from IBM Microelectronics. The tool supports the emerging EABI and ELF/DWARF object-file standards for embedded-PowerPC applications, allowing it to work with most embedded-PowerPC compilers. An instruction-trace buffer holds approximately 1 million instructions. Single-user licenses start at $1500. Software Development Systems, Oak Brook, IL. (708) 368-0400.

Burst-mode EPROMs allow rapid data transfer for PowerPC and 68000 family processors. The NM27P6841 EPROM has a glueless burst data-transfer mode that executes four synchronous data transfers in a cycle. The device supports 4-1-1 burst data transfers at 25 and 33 MHz, avoiding the need to use shadow RAM. The system comes in a PLCC and costs $5.75 (10,000). National Semiconductor Corp, Santa Clara, CA. (800) 272-9959.

Operator interface meets NEMA 4 standards. The Kontron Operator Interface comes in a stainless-steel case and is sealed against water and corrosive chemicals. Depending on the application, the operator interface can include simple, connector-protection, tight seals or a waterproof NEMA 4PG assembly. The unit is based on the 50-MHz 486DX2 processor and has an optional monochrome or color touchscreen. The standard version offers 4 Mbytes of DRAM expandable to 32 Mbytes, two half-length AT expansion slots, a Centronics port, two serial ports, and a PS/2 mouse interface. Mass-storage options include an internal 130- or 500-Mbyte hard-disk drive and a 2.5- or 10-Mbyte silicon disk. From $4965. Kontron Electronic Corp, Newport Beach, CA. (714) 851-1872.

Suite of DSP-software modules for advanced telephony and data-communications applications. These software modules for the TMS320C5x family of DSPs include call connection and control, high-speed facsimile, data modem, centrex modem, CLASS modem for caller-ID support, and telecommunications-device-for-the-deaf modem. The call-connection-and-control software module is the physical layer for tele- phone-line signaling and connection to the voice terminal. It includes audio-band detection, call-progress monitoring, analog-line power ringing, dual-tone multiple-frequency generation and detection, and hook flash. The data- and fax-modem software supports the V.22bis, V.27ter, and V.29 protocols, including the V.21 modem and T.30 signaling. License fees for development rights range from $2500 to $25,000, and production-rights royalty terms apply for some modules. HotHaus Technologies Inc, Delta, BC, Canada. (604) 946-0060.