Embedded Systems: November 23, 1995

Emulator supports Intel 80386EX microprocessor. The HP64768B emulator provides a core dual-port emulation memory that monitors user variables without interrupting program execution. This feature lets you evaluate time-critical functions under actual operating conditions. The emulator supports 3.3 to 5.5V operation and provides real-time, zero-wait-state emulation to 25 MHz. Based on a special bond-out version of the processor, the emulator can support all addressing modes and identify unexecuted instructions. The emulation system costs $26,500. Hewlett-Packard Co., Santa Clara, CA. (800) 452-4844, ext 9794.

Multibus single-board computers are available with 100-MHz 804-86DX4 processor. The iSBC486/12SFxA9 Multibus I single-board computer is available with 8 Mbytes ($7620) or 32 Mbytes ($10,195) of DRAM. The device includes a SCSI controller. Intel Corp., Santa Clara, CA. (800) 497-4769.

Real-time DOS extender. Version 8.0 of the TNT real-time DOS extender supports priority scheduling and inter-thread communications, such as semaphores, events, and pipes. The software supports >200 Win32 API calls, speeding software development and allowing the use of PC hardware. The extender lets you take advantage of the full 32-bit protected-mode address space. The tool with support for 386/486 µ starts at $995. Phar Lap Software Inc., Cambridge, MA. (617) 661-1510.

C++ network-communication library. The Net.h++ library provides an object-oriented interface to network-communication services, simplifying client/server and peer-to-peer development. The initial release includes a C++ implementation of the Berkeley socket interface. The interface provides the programming interface to TCP/IP and is portable among UNIX, Windows, and Windows NT. The library provides a three-tiered architecture: A communication-adapter, a portal, and a communication-services layer. Both source and object code are available starting at $499. Tools.h++ is required for the use of Net.h++. Rogue Wave Software, Corvallis, OR. (503) 754-3010.

Development and debugging environment for MPC821 and MPC860 µ. The SingleStep development environment centers around a processor simulator that accurately represents the complexity of the µ and can integrate with traditional cross-debuggers and compilers. The simulator lets you begin debugging an application before the hardware is available. The tools also let you edit, compile, link, download, and debug applications. Prices start at $2000 for Sun and Hewlett-Packard workstations and $1500 for Microsoft Windows. C and C++ compilers for Sun and HP workstation cost $4400, and an optimizing C compiler for Windows costs $2200. Software Development Systems, Oak Brook, IL. (708) 368-0400.

Device-driver development tools for Windows 95. VTOOLSD for Windows 95 gives C and C++ developers access to the hundreds of new system services available for custom drivers. Applications include optimized drivers for high-speed devices, Plug and Play-compatible drivers, building debuggers, virus checkers, security applications, and new file systems. The software costs $495. Previous customers can upgrade for $249. Vireo Software Inc., Bolton, MA. (508) 779-8352.

Debugger hardware for x86-based systems. The Model IV debugger hardware is available for use with Concurrent Sciences’ Soft-Scope debugger for x86 real-time debugging. It costs $4000 to $5000, depending on the CPU. The company independently supports 186/188 processors ($3000) and 386EX processors ($4000). In addition, the debugger hardware is available for use with Phar Lap’s Embedded ToolSuite for debugging 386 and 486 processors ($4000). The Periscope Company Inc., Atlanta, GA. (404) 888-5335.

Data-acquisition boards for industrial applications offer high speed and high resolution. The 6100 family of VME-bus data-acquisition boards provides resolutions from 12- to 16-bits and sample rates from 300k to 2M samples/sec. Model 6102 has eight A/D and D/A channels with 16-bit resolution and a 300-kHz sample rate. The board has a 1k-sample FIFO (optionally, 16k samples) for each channel. Interfaces include VME, MIX, and a C40 communications port. It costs $4995. The Model 6105 ($8995) has eight 12-bit A/D channels, samples at 2M samples/sec, has a 1k-sample FIFO (optionally, 16k samples) for each channel. The Model 6106 is identical to the 6105 except it has 14-bit resolution and costs $9995. Pentek Inc., Norwood, NJ. (201) 767-7100.

Software-development tool set for Siemens 80C166 microcontroller family. The 80C166 integrated tool set includes an ANSI C compiler with extensions for all members of the 80C166 microcontroller family, a high-level language debugger, and an embedded development environment. The tool set is available on PC/DOS, HP 9000, Sun SPARC, and Digital Equipment Corp Alpha systems, and prices start at $2500. Boston Systems Office/Tasking, Dedham, MA. (617) 320-9400.

Software for wireless LAN increases throughput. RangeLAN2 Version 3 software has new drivers and improved firmware that provides 50 to 60% greater throughput than the original product. In addition, a high-gain antenna ($345) provides improved radio sensitivity and increases the range of the 2.4-GHz LAN two to three times, increasing area coverage by five to 10 times. Maximum range in open-space environments is up to 3000 ft. Proxim Inc., Mountain View, CA. (415) 960-1630.

Software-simulation tool. Eaglei comprises the Virtual Product Console (VPC) and the Virtual Software Processor (VSP). VSPs are software descriptions, or models, of popular µ. The VPC links the µ descriptions with application-software code. According to the company, the tool lets you run your application at >5000 instructions/sec. The software is currently available for Sun and Hewlett-Packard workstations. A Windows NT version will be available in the first quarter of 1996. Price of the software begins at $40,000. Eagle Design Automation Inc., Beaverton, OR. (503) 520-2300.

Development kit for 32- and 64-bit RISC µ. The EZ Eval Kits provide a free 60-day trial of the company’s R3081 32-bit RISController or the R4600 64-bit processor. The kits include an evaluation board with the µ and tools to assist in processor evaluation and software development. Each kit has a cross-compiler tool chain with a source-level debugger and a ROM-resident debugging monitor. The tools accommodate program development on Sun workstations or PCs. Integrated Device Technology Inc., Santa Clara, CA. (800) 345-7015.

Fuzzy-logic-development environment for embedded systems. The FLDE application generator lets you design and test embedded fuzzy-logic and C/C++ software. The tool runs under Windows and produces royalty-free ANSI C code. A wide range of data types lets you make efficient use of memory and maintain the precision for your application. The product is available in two configurations costing $495 and $1195. Syndesis Ltd., Athens, Greece. +30-1-7292985.

Single-board computer for STD-32 bus uses 386EX CPU. The model 8860 SBC includes onboard floppy- and hard-disk interfaces, four communication ports, a printer port, and 48 digital I/O lines. The board accommodates as many as 4 Mbytes each of flash EPROM and DRAM. A local-bus adapter lets you add video. The board is compatible with the 16-bit compliance level of the STD-32 bus. It also supports multiprocessing. With 512 kbytes each of EPROM and DRAM, the board costs $695. An optional 12-bit I/O capability with 100-kHz throughput costs $175. Systek, Kennewick, WA. (509) 735-1200.

486-based STEbus card for embedded applications. The PC AT-compatible SCIM486SX is based on a 50-MHz Texas Instruments 486sxlc processor. The board has >10 Mbytes of RAM and flash EPROM and measures 100x160 mm. According to the company, the board delivers computational performance that is up to 40% faster than a full 33-MHz 486DX CPU. It costs £556 (25). Arcom Control Systems Ltd., Cambridge, UK. +44 (0)1223 411200.

ISA bus SBCs include integrated network interfaces. The EPC-33, using a 50-MHz Intel 486SL DX2 processor, and the EPC-34, using a 100-MHz DX4 processor, offer an onboard Ethernet option. Other options include flat-panel-display support, SVGA support, 4 Mbytes of flash memory, and 128 kbytes of battery-backed SRAM. Features include a 72-pin SIMM socket for 4-, 8-, 16-, or 32-Mbyte DRAM, one RS-232C port, a second RS-232C or RS-422/485 port, an IEEE 1284-1-compatible parallel-printer port, an enhanced-local-bus IDE hard-disk-drive interface, and a PC-PS/2-compatible keyboard interface. The base prices without DRAM or options are $550 (250) for the EPC-33 and $740 (250) for the EPC-34. Radisys Corp., Beaverton, OR. (503) 646-1800.

8-bit controller board for 80C251. The R-51JX 8-bit embedded controller board accommodates a Dallas Semiconductor 80C320 or a Siemens 50x series processor. The board provides 12 I/O bits, 64 kbytes of onboard memory, and two serial ports for use with the DS80C320. Operating speed ranges from 11.0592 MHz for the 80C251 to 40 MHz for the SAB C501. The board comes with a DOS-based, embedded application-development system that lets you write, assemble, download, debug, and run application software in the MCS-51 language. Price of the complete system starts at $120. Rigel Corp., Gainesville, FL. (904) 373-4629.

Development software for parallel code on TMS320C4x DSP. Parallel C Version 2.0 for the C4x offers new features, including virtual channels, allowing logical communication channels over each communications port and through-routing of data via intervening processors; version 4.60 of the TI compiler and assembler code-generation tools; support for the C44 extensions to the TIM standard; enhanced memory-block-alignment functions; and enhanced dynamic control of multitasking process priority. The price ranges from £1200 to £4600. 3L Ltd., Edinburgh, UK. +44 131 662 4333.

Real-time executive for 80C196NT/NP microcontrollers. RTXC V3.2 is a multitasking, real-time executive that provides a ROMable and configurable operating system. The software port for the 80C196 supports the onboard peripherals of both the NT and NP µ. The real-time operating system is distributed in ANSI C source code and is royalty-free. It provides >70 kernel services in task management, semaphore services, queue services, mailbox and message services, memory management, and timer management. Price of RTXC v3.2 for the 80C196NT/NP starts at $6000. Embedded System Products Inc., Houston, TX. (713) 728-9688.

3U VME board offers dual processors. The VM62 multiprocessor board has a MC68060 microprocessor and a MC68EN360 quad-intelligent-communications controller. The design can deliver 80 to 130 MIPS. It accommodates up to 16 Mbytes of DRAM, 4 Mbytes of Flash EPROM, and 1 Mbyte of dual-ported SRAM. The board is compatible with a variety of real-time operating systems, including OS-9 from Microware, VRTX-Spectra from Microtec Research, VxWorks from Wind River, and pSOS from Integrated Solutions. The board starts at $4185. PEP Modular Computers, Scottsdale, AZ. (800) 228-1737.

Adapter boards connect a PCI I/O platform to a Q22-bus system. The Model 615 adapter lets either system be a bus master on the other system. The memory-mapped adapter enables the PCI I/O-based platform to directly control Q22-bus cards as though they were on the local PCI bus. A Q22-bus processor can access memory and I/O on the PCI computer. You can connect the two systems by a cable as long as 25 ft. The two-board set costs $1580. Bit 3 Computer Corp., Minneapolis, MN. (612) 881-6955.

Integrated development environment for C/C++ programming under Windows. Object Master for Windows Version 3.1 provides native 32-bit support, letting you take advantage of Microsoft Windows 95 and Microsoft Windows NT operating-system features in addition to standard 16-bit support for Windows 3.1. The development environment also provides a direct, transparent interface to Microsoft’s Visual C++ 4.0. The software has a suggested retail price of $249. ACI US Inc., Cupertino, CA. (408) 252-4444.

Multiprocessing debugging environment has full parallel debugging. Vista-MP 2.0, the latest version of the company’s DOS- and Windows-based multiprocessor debugging environment for XDS-510-compatible emulators, lets you debug multiple Texas Instruments (TI) DSPs in parallel. The debugging environment includes a DOS version of the TI C source debugger, allowing isolation and debugging of one DSP on any given scan chain comprising multiple processors; a Windows version of the TI C source debugger, which supports multiprocessor debugging; an implementation of the parallel debugging manager for Windows; the TI DOS composer utility; a sample board configuration; and C files. The debugging environment costs $1495 and is free with the company’s 510 PC-based emulators for the C4x and C5x DSP families. White Mountain DSP Inc., Nashua, NH. (603) 883-2430.

Visual-programming tool for company’s machine-vision hardware. The Itex-VIP (Visual Itex Programmer) lets you perform point-and-click programming of the MVC 150/40 visual-processing hardware. The tool generates C code from your description for efficient execution. The tool comes with the company’s MVS systems development product line or is available separately with other Itex libraries beginning at $5495. Imaging Technology Inc., Bedford, MA. (617) 275-2700.