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March 26, 1998
PRODUCT PREVIEW:
The Embedded Systems Conference
The Embedded Systems Conference Spring, which runs from March 31 to April
2 in Chicago, covers software and hardware integration, management, and testing. The event
features 87 classes and tutorials on adaptations of PC technology for embedded systems,
building in Web functionality, project management, and design-for-test methodology. Seven
full-day sessions discuss real-time performance, programming languages, and fuzzy logic
for automotive applications. Software topics include C, C++, Windows CE, Java, and
real-time kernels. The conference features 67 top industry experts and more than 170
exhibitors. For more information, call 1-415-538-3848.
Chip merges Ethernet and Internet interfaces
NET+ARM is a complete network-connectivity system-on-silicon that lets you
add Ethernet and Internet connections to your designs. Hardware and software subsystems
combine the power of ARM's 32-bit RISC processor with Atmel core logic, ISI's pSOS
real-time operating system, and the vendor's networking and Web-enabling software.
Specifically, the software includes 10/100BaseT Ethernet and Internet protocols, an HTTP
and FTP client and server, a Web browser, mail servers, and a host of drivers and
interfaces on one chip. The 3.3V device comes in a 208-pin PQFP. NET+ARM NCC includes full
NOS support and costs $40; NET+ARM pSOS costs $30 (20,000).
Osicom Technologies Inc, Santa Monica, CA. 1-781-647-1234, www.osicom.com.
PCI-bus board sports dual 200-MHz C6X DSPs
The PCI/C6600 board delivers 3200 MIPS of peak processing power for
embedded DSP environments. The board is equipped with two 200-MHz TMS320C6201 processors,
each with 16 Mbytes of SDRAM and 512 kbytes of SRAM. This dual architecture allows the
first processor to act as both a data processor and an offboard data router with access to
a PCI-bus interface, a DSPLINK2 interface, and a TMS320C4X communications port. The second
processor is purely for data processing. The PCI/C6600 offers a single-width
IEEE-1386.1-compatible PMC expansion site. The dual-processor board costs $4000 (OEM).
Loughborough Sound Images Inc, Lexington, MA. 1-781-860-9020, fax
1-781-860-0083, www.lsi-dsp.com.
QNX-based development kit offers WinCE alternative
Aimed at low-power mobile devices based on the AMD ElanSC400
microcontroller, the QNX In-Hand Toolkit provides the functionality of a Windows CE
palmtop in half the memory. The kit comprises the complete QNX RTOS, a suite of
development tools, and source code for a variety of handheld applications. To evaluate the
In-Hand Toolkit and the ElanSC400, you can obtain the µforCE reference/demonstration
platform. Running with only 4 Mbytes of ROM, the demo includes the protected-mode QNX
RTOS, the Photon microGUI (QNX's embedded windowing system), a desktop-caliber HTML 3.2
browser, an Internet dial-up connector, a TCP/IP stack, an e-mail client, a text editor, a
spreadsheet, a contact manager, a personal scheduler, and PCMCIA support. Prices start at
$19,995 for the QNX In-Hand Toolkit; the µforCE demo package costs $750.
QNX Software Systems Ltd, Kanata, ON, Canada. 1-613-591-0931, fax
1-613-591-3579, www.qnx.com.
Adapter clears way for testing 1.0-mm-pitch BGAs
This ball-grid-array (BGA) adapter is useful for cell-phone applications
in which you need to test and debug chips that have 1.0-mm pitch or less. The 1.0-mm BGA
system design is in the same configuration as the BGA package footprint, which minimizes
trace lengths and adapter height. Probe boards have a vertical clearance of 5 mm, higher
than most surface-mount components. The system uses a ZIF socket that enables multiple
chip testing of as many as 5000 insertions. Prices start at $1600.
Emulation Technology Inc, Santa Clara, CA. 1-408-982-0660, fax
1-408-982-0664.
I/O controller modules form industrial network
Operating over 40 to +85°C, these network I/O modules provide a variety
of industrial inputs and outputs for embedded-control applications. Each module includes a
microcontroller with built-in firmware and a self-stacking enclosure system. Module
choices include dual RS-232C/422/485 serial I/O, 32-bit parallel I/O, 16-bit TTL I/O,
stepper-motor control, 12- and 16-bit analog I/O, optical isolation, LCD
character/graphics/keyboard module with 240×64 display, printer expansion, relay driver,
reed relay, prototype module, 386EX CPU module, and 80188EB CPU module. Prices start at
$96.
RLC Enterprises Inc, Atascadero, CA. 1-805-466-9717, fax
1-805-466-9736, www.rlc.com.
Logic-analyzer probe converts serial data to parallel
Running under Windows 95/NT, the Universal Interface Probe (UIP) for the
company's Personal and Pro lines of logic analyzers converts serial-interface signals into
parallel data. The probe makes it easy to trigger on specific bytes and does not require
an additional program or disassembler to display the data in hexadecimal and ASCII format.
The probe currently connects to RS-232C, RS-422, RS-485, I2C, SPI, and CAN
interfaces. The probe with one serial interface costs $2990.
Digital Logic Instruments GmbH, Dietzenbach, Germany. +49 6074 4002
60,
fax +49 6074 4002 77, www.dli.de.
8-bit microcontrollers run range of applications
Built around the industry-standard ST7 8-bit core and a library of memory
and peripheral blocks, this family of CMOS microcontrollers assembles various combinations
of functions for standard and application-specific tasks. ST7 variants come in different
memory configurations, ranging from 4 to 60 kbytes of on-chip ROM, 256 bytes to 3 kbytes
of RAM, and 512 bytes maximum of EEPROM. Interface options include SPI, SCI, I2C,
USB, and CAN; peripherals comprise a variety of 16-bit timers, PWM facilities, a watchdog
timer, an ADC, and multimedia functions. Prices range from $1.50 to $5 (100,000).
SGS-Thomson Microelectronics Inc, Lincoln, MA. 1-781-259-0300, fax
1-781-259-4420, www.st.com.
SO/DIP adapters simplify prototyping and testing
Available in a variety of sizes to fit most popular small-outline
footprints, these adapters let you plug a DIP device or emulator plug into a surface-mount
prototype. SO-Plugs, with pin counts from eight to 28, solder down to a circuit board and
provide a header for the DIP Board to plug into. Once connected to the SO-Plug, the DIP
Board accepts your DIP device or emulator plug. DIP Boards are currently offered in 20-
and 28-pin versions with or without a ZIF socket. Kit prices range from $46 to $72. DIP
Boards, SO-Plug six-packs, and ZIF sockets are also sold separately.
Logical Systems Corp, Syracuse, NY. 1-315-478-0722, www.logicalsys.com.
C/C++ tool suite works with ARM processors
The High C/C++ ARM embedded-development tool set speeds ARM7 and StrongARM
CPU design tasks by furnishing a compiler, assembler, linker-locator-archiver, profiler,
and runtime libraries with source code. Embedded programming features include reversed
endian data access, control of text and data placement, position-independent code, control
of section layouts, hexadecimal record support, and ROMable code. High C/C++ runs under
DOS, Windows, Solaris, SunOS, and HP-UX. Single-user license fees start at $2495.
MetaWare Inc, Santa Cruz, CA. 1-408-429-6382, fax 1-408-429-9273, www.metaware.com.
Driver development tool adds MPC860 variants
DriveWay-MPC-860, a device-driver design environment for Motorola's MPC860
family of communication processors, now targets the MPC860MH, MPC860SAR, and MPC860T.
These three derivatives provide enhanced communications capabilities for multiple HDLC
channels (MH), ATM (SAR), and 100-Mbps Ethernet (T). Running under Windows, DriveWay
automates the task of writing the device drivers and boot code, reducing development time
from months to weeks. DriveWay-MPC860 Version 7.1, including the MH, SAR, and T
enhancements, costs $29,500.
Aisys Inc, Santa Clara, CA. 1-408-327-8820, fax 1-408-327-8830, www.aisysinc.com.
In-circuit emulator debugs COP8-based designs
The iceMASTER COP8 series of in-circuit emulators for National
Semiconductor's COP8 family of general-purpose microcontrollers connects to any PC running
under DOS or OS/2. You have complete support of the debugging environment through a
source/symbolic debugger and a 115.2-kbaud serial link that keeps typical download times
to less than 3 sec. The series includes a full-featured emulator probe card, a low-cost
emulator and programmer, and a low-cost evaluation and programming utility that helps you
determine the best tool for your project. Prices start at less than $200.
MetaLink Corp, Chandler, AZ. 1-602-926-0797, fax 1-602-926-1198.
IDE for Palm OS runs under Windows or Mac OS
This version of the CodeWarrior integrated development environment
provides a complete set of tools for building Palm OS-based applications using your
Windows 95/NT or Mac OS computer. You can create software programs for the 3Com PalmPilot
and the IBM WorkPad, and you can take advantage of the en-hanced TCP/IP support in Palm OS
2.0 to synchronize data over corporate intranets and in-house networks. CodeWarrior
comprises a GUI layout tool, editor, project manager, C/C++ compiler, source- and
assembly-level debugger, direct-to-device debugger, stand-alone assembler, and linker.
Prices start at $899.
Metrowerks Inc, Austin, TX. 1-512-873-4774, fax 1-512-873-4904, www.metrowerks.com.
16-bit microcontroller meets
common embedded requirements
Operating at 50 MHz, the Am186ER 16-bit embedded 80C186-compatible
microcontroller delivers 6.6 MIPS and 386-class performance. The 3.3V device offers
5V-tolerant I/O and packs a number of features into its 100-pin QFP, including 32 kbytes
of SRAM, a UART, timers, a DMA controller, and an interrupt controller. The part also
presents a glueless interface to external RAM/ ROM and a PLL that lets it operate at as
much as four times the input clock frequency. The Am186ER comes in 25- and 50-MHz versions
and costs $11.67 and $13.51, respectively (10,000).
Advanced Micro Devices Inc, Sunnyvale, CA. 1-408-749-5703, www.amd.com.
Tools ease SH-4 RISC CPU development
The Multi development environment and optimizing compilers address every
aspect of software development for Hitachi's SH-4 RISC processor, including source-level
debugging, window-oriented editing, automated program building, execution profiling, and
project/version control. What's more, the C/C++ compilers take advantage of the SH-4's
ability to execute two instructions on each clock cycle. At the heart of the Multi
environment is an RTOS-aware source-level debugger that offers task- and system-level
debugging capabilities. A single-seat developer's license for Windows 95/NT costs $5900; a
Unix version costs $8900.
Green Hills Software Inc, Santa Barbara, CA. 1-805-965-6044, fax
1-805-965-6343.
RTOS teams with StrongARM
CPU for embedded designs
Ready to use on the StrongARM EBSA-285 evaluation board equipped with an
SA-110 StrongARM processor, the AMX 4-ARM real-time multitasking kernel provides a
pre-emptive, priority-based task scheduler that includes timing support for delays,
time-outs, and periodic events. The ROMable kernel's modular architecture provides
managers for semaphores, resource allocation, event synchronization, mailboxes, message
exchanges, and fixed and dynamic memory allocation. A configuration builder eases system
construction. You can also use ARM's software-development tool kit under Windows 95/NT to
create and test your AMX 4-ARM application. A royalty-free site license costs $7900.
Kadak Products Ltd, Vancouver, BC, Canada. 1-604-734-2796, fax
1-604-734-8114.
Development station speeds Windows CE designs
An expanded version of the Pathfinder evaluation system reduces the
development time of Windows CE hardware and software. Comprising the ES2110 single-board
computer and a companion board that includes a power supply and connections for testing
numerous peripherals, Pathfinder lets you write software, design hardware, and perform
preproduction testing. You can also use Pathfinder with the Windows CE Embedded Tool Kit.
In addition to a DB-25 parallel port and two DB-9 serial ports, Pathfinder supplies two
PCMCIA Type II slots, 16 Mbytes of flash memory, 16 Mbytes of DRAM, a PS/2 keyboard, a
speaker, and a color VGA TFT LCD. The system costs $4995.
Eclipse International Inc, Mountain View, CA. 1-650-691-6400, fax
1-650-428-0292, www.eclipseint.com.
Visual tools help analyze runtime code
The Run-Time Analysis (RTA) Suite lets you develop highly optimized and
reliable programs for 32-bit embedded applications. Visual tools let you see and analyze
your program's runtime behavior, implement optimizations based on that behavior, quickly
find several classes of hard-to-find runtime errors, and configure optimum memory layouts.
The RTA Suite works with the vendor's C/C++ compilers and operates on Windows 95/NT,
Solaris, SunOS, HP-UX, AIX, and Irix systems. Target CPUs include PowerPC, 68K/CPU32,
ColdFire, and M.CORE. Floating licenses cost $1500/compiler license; node-locked licenses
cost $750/compiler license.
Diab Data Inc, Foster City, CA. 1-650-571-1700, fax 1-650-571-9068,
www.ddi.com.
Dual PMC carrier board fits CompactPCI form factor
The ZT 5610 6U CompactPCI carrier board accommodates two single PMC
modules or one double PMC module. I/O connections are available through the front of the
PMC modules or via the J3 and J4 connectors on the CompactPCI backplane. In addition to
the two card slots, the ZT 5610 employs a PCI-to-PCI bridge chip to ensure that the board
meets the PCI load requirements of the CompactPCI specification. The carrier board costs
$450.
Ziatech Corp, San Luis Obispo, CA. 1-805-541-0488, fax
1-805-541-5088, www.ziatech.com.
Frame grabbers target embedded machine vision
Six PC/104-Plus and 3U CompactPCI boards extend the vendor's family of
precision gray-scale and color frame grabbers, offering the same features as the standard
PCI versions. The PXC200 color frame grabber provides maximum resolutions of 640×480
pixels (NTSC) and 768×576 pixels (PAL/SECAM), with pixel jitter of ±4 nsec. The PX610
and PX510 offer real-time video capture with high gray-scale accuracy at 1/30 sec/frame
(RS-170/NTSC) and 1/25 sec/frame (CCIR/ PAL). In addition, the PX610 supports
high-resolution, noninterlaced video from progressive-scan CCD cameras. Prices start at
$395 (PXC200 PCI short card).
Imagenation Corp, Beaverton, OR. 1-503-641-7408, fax
1-503-643-2458, www.imagenation.com.
PowerPC single-board computers
ride VME and CompactPCI buses
Based on the vendor's core architecture, which maintains software
compatibility across the complete PowerCore family, these three computer boards
incorporate PowerPC 740 and 750 processors for real-time applications. The
PowerCoreCPCI-6750 (6U) and PowerCoreCPCI-3740 (3U) are for the CompactPCI bus; the
PowerCore-6750 is a 6U VMEbus board. Processors run as fast as 300 MHz using an optimized
memory subsystem built with SDRAM. Both the CompactPCI and VME variants of the PowerCore
6750 family provide a Fast Ethernet interface, two serial channels, and dual PMC expansion
sites. Base prices start at less than $3500 for the PowerCoreCPCI-6750 and less than $4500
for the PowerCore-6750 VME. The PowerCoreCPCI-3740 costs $2195.
Force Computers Inc, San Jose, CA. 1-408-369-6000, fax
1-408-371-3382, www.forcecomputers.com.
Library kit launches Windows CE out of the box
The Jump Start Driver Library Kit (DLK) provides all the software needed
to boot and run Windows CE with little or no OAL (OEM abstraction layer) adaptation. At
the heart of the DLK, which is used to certify Embedded Initiative/Windows CE compliance,
is Annasoft's CE Launcher. Residing on the boot media and occupying just 11 kbytes of
memory, CE Launcher enables 486- and Pentium-based embedded PCs to load Windows CE from a
rotating or flash disk and execute it out of RAM without DOS assistance. By eliminating
DOS, CE Launcher reduces memory storage requirements by almost 200 kbytes, as well as the
need to purchase a separate DOS license. DLK also includes a set of embedded PC device
drivers for core PC functions. Jump Start DLK costs $1995. Run times for CE Launcher cost
$4 to $6 per copy in OEM quantities.
Annasoft Systems, San Diego, CA. 1-619-674-6155, fax
1-619-673-1432, www.annasoft.com.
7BBb-22 Artwork: None Product ID 8289
RISC processor engine drives CompactPCI board. Packaged in a CompactPCI 3U
form factor, the SMARTengine/50cPCI-3U industrial computer board offers a 64-bit R5000
MIPS RISC processor running at 200 MHz. The dual-issue, superscalar execution core
delivers processing performance of 5.5 SPECint95 and 5.5 SPECfp95. You can configure the
board with as much as 128 Mbytes of DRAM, 32 kbytes max of nonvolatile RAM, 256 kbytes of
EPROM, and 4 Mbytes max of flash. In addition, the board comes with three counter/timers,
serial interface, watchdog timer, and 10BaseT Ethernet controller. The
SMARTengine/50cPCI-3U manages seven PCI slots in a CompactPCI system. Prices start at
$1534 (OEM).
Smart Modular Technologies Inc, Fremont, CA. 1-510-623-1231, fax
1-510-623-1434, www.smartm.com.
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