Software

Feb 2002 (Click here for older articles)

Embedded Systems -- Software Subsections

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Products

NI Accelerates Motion Control Development
National Instruments challenges engineers to use its Motion Assistant for the automatic generation of LabVIEW code. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
RealView Developer Kit for Xscale-Based Processors
The ARM RealView DK targets X-Scale-driven network infrastructure, wireless and storage devices, providing what it calls 'best-in-class' code generation while reducing the costs of development, since the single toolset supports all ARM-compliant processors based on the Intel XScale technology. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Software Support for the Xscale
Red Hat will provide a complete development suite, including tools, firmware and real-time operating system, for the newly unveiled Intel IOP321 I/O processor based on the XScale technology, while Wind River announced that it will support the latest XScale-based chips in products ranging from its VxWorks RTOS to the Tornado IDE and visionICE II/visionPROBE II hardware bring-up tools and hardware reference designs. The company also offers embedded software support for the new Intel Pentium 4 and Xeon processors. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
ASIC News in Brief
Chip Center's Murray Disman notes that while hardware prototyping of ASIC designs has been going on for years, software-based virtual prototyping systems are just coming on-scene. Perhaps in the spirit of balanced reporting, he explores two different solutions--Synopsys' System C design and verification portfolio, which has recently been extended with its release of an updated SystemC simulator, and Mentor Graphics' new SpeedGate DSV environment, which is aimed directly at implementing FPGA-based ASIC prototype boards. (ChipCenter: ASIC)
C-Bridge for Seamless Enables Early Hardware Prototyping and Verification Acceleration
Mentor Graphics extends its Seamless co-verification environment with C-Bridge, a new technology that promotes high-level modeling and improves the verification performance of embedded designs by incorporating C and C++ hardware descriptions, test benches and protocol models into Seamless co-verification sessions. C-Bridge encourages architectural exploration through co-verification of hardware and software early in the embedded design process, before key design blocks are realized in RTL. Seamless with C-Bridge supports mixed C, C++ and HDL design environments. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
JTAG Emulator Now Available For Windows CE Platform Builder
ARM's Multi-ICE JTAG-based in-circuit emulator now supports the Windows CE Platform Builder. This emulator will enable developers porting Windows CE to ARM core-based platforms, including Intel XScale, to get the benefits of hardware debug as preferred by most embedded product developers. The ARM Multi-ICE emulator gives visibility of the target after a system crash and enables debug of applications without using an Ethernet or other auxiliary communication ports. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
LogicVision Introduces Embedded Test 4.0
LogicVision launches what it claims as the industry's first product to seamlessly integrate silicon design, debug, and manufacturing test. Its Embedded Test 4.0 offers vector-less transfer of data and an ATE-independent interactive user interface that enables real-time hierarchical diagnostics for logic, memory and PLLs. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Synopsys Rejuvenates Design Tools
Synopsys releases the newest version of its VCS Verilog simulator and updates its Scirocco VHDL simulator at the same time. Customers leveraging these products in design claim RTL and gate-level simulation performance improvements of up to three times over previous versions, while also showing a reduction in memory consumption of up to 30 percent for Verilog designs. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
MainConcept Intros MPEG SDK
MainConcept has announced the release of an MPEG SDK that it claims includes highly optimized codecs that enable developers to implement a variety of MPEG capabilities in applications such as video software, medical imaging, and simulations. MainConcept also says that the Windows-based SDK features code that has been designed for easy portability to other platforms and devices, including PDAs and set-top boxes. (e-inSITE)
Firms Ready Software-Based Engine For Mobile MPEG-4 Race
DSP Group and MEICOM Technologies have rolled out a software-driven, MPEG-4 codec for DSP Group's licensable Palm DSP core with no additional accelerators or extra gates required. The solution is on show at the Embedded Systems Europe in Nuremberg, Germany. (Electronic Business)
Mercury Computer Claims 16-Times Acceleration in Integer-Based Image Processing
Mercury Computer Systems has announced its RACE++TM Series PixL Image Processing Algorithm Library that enables embedded system developers to incorporate sophisticated algorithms into their image processing applications. The PixL library contains highly optimized software routines that meet the stringent high-throughput, low-latency demands of embedded image processing applications. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Green Hills' IDE Hosts LSI Logic Processor Technology
Green Hills Software has optimized its MULTI IDE to provide automated embedded software development for ZSP DSPs from LSI Logic. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
OSE Meets Demands of Wireless Infrastructure and Devices
OSE Systems has integrated its OSE RTOS with IBM�s embedded Java technology for application in next-generation mobile phones, handsets and infrastructure. OSE will license and sell IBM�s WebSphere Micro Environment and WebSphere Studio Device Developer, previously known as VisualAge Micro Edition. The company also recently launched OSE CONNECT, an Internet portal for its partner program that provides embedded developers with a simple and flexible path to engineering solutions from companies like MIPS, Motorola and IBM. (OSE Systems)
System-Level Design Boost With Enhancements to The MathWorks' DKs for Texas Instruments
The MathWorks now offers a Developer's Kit for Texas Instruments DSP 1.2, which allows systems and software engineers to develop and verify DSP algorithms in one integrated environment. The new version provides improved integration with eXpressDSP software and development tools through its compatibility with Code Composer Studio 2.0 and 2.1 and expanded code generation support for popular TI DSP devices. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Tektronix Moves Mobile Network Monitoring Technology Forward
A GPRS deciphering solution is now available for the Tektronix line of network protocol testers. The software enables operators and equipment manufacturers to automatically decipher transmission at the Gb interface while enciphering remains 'on,' and subscribers receive the uninterrupted security and privacy they expect. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Wizards Create Super Fast Cygnal Chip Development Environment
Crossware has added Code Creation Wizards to its 8051 Development Suite to support the mixed-signal microcontrollers from Cygnal Integrated Products. Using sophisticated visual interfaces, the Wizards help create a super fast environment in which developers can create complete programs in seconds for any of Cygnal's 8-bit chips. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Mentor Helps Speed Prototyping
Mentor Graphics' SpeedGate DSV (Direct System Verification) is billed as an advanced verification environment for creating ASIC and SoC prototypes using off-the-shelf FPGAs. Silicon prototypes created by SpeedGate DSV can be tested at speeds comparable to a real-time operating environment, reducing costly, time-consuming silicon respins. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Visual Symbol Decoding Platforms Target Mobile Applications
Mitigo and AirClic roll decoding software products that aim to enable mobile phones, PDAs, and other wireless devices to read visual symbols such as barcodes and complex matrix codes. Mitigo's new CodePoint software will initially run on the Windows CE, Palm, and Symbian platforms. According to the company, CodePoint virtually eliminates user reliance on the keypads of their mobile devices for complex data input. AirClic has introduced the AirClic Mobile Information Platform (MIP), which will allow users to scan, speak or manually enter a 'SmartCode' on a mobile phone, PDA, PC or standard telephone to connect to applications and services. (e-inSITE)
ADSL Reference Design Leaps Out of the Box
Accelerated Technology has teamed up with Integrated Device Technology in the implementation of a reference design for ADSL bridge and router applications that integrates AT's Nucleus PLUS RT kernel with IDT's 79RP351 communication's processor. The IDT 79RP351 ADSL reference design, which incorporates DSL, Ethernet and USB interfaces, is based on the company's 79RP351 communications processor. The resulting reference design targets CPE applications ranging from simple DSL modems to high-end residential gateways and integrated access devices. (Electronic Business)
Simplex Spins Cell-Level Signal-Integrity Timing Tool
Simplex Solution has released a cell-level signal-integrity timing tool that it says provides accuracy to within 2 percent of Spice and run-times that are four to 20 times faster than those of competing cell-level signal-integrity tools while consuming 80 percent less system memory. (EE Times)
Synopsys Offers Commercial SystemC Simulator
Proclaiming a significant step forward for C-language design, Synopsys will announce a complete SystemC simulation environment. It's already been put to use at STMicroelectronics, which is rolling out tools to its design groups based on the new technology. The simulator is part of Synopsys' new CoCentric System Studio release. This package provides a commercial SystemC simulation environment with source-code debugging, hardware description language co-simulation and design entry. It complements SystemC Compiler, Synopsys' SystemC-based synthesis tool. (EE Times)
PLD Product Reviews
Chip Center's Murray Disman keeps tabs on the latest in design software, including Altera's second version of Quartus II and the optimization of Wind River's development tools for Xilinx' Virtex-II Platform FPGA for the PowerPC 405 processor. (ChipCenter: PLD)
Bluetooth SDK Targets Embedded Applications
Zeevo has begun shipping a software developers kit for embedding Bluetooth technology into various consumer products. The new SDK, which is currently shipping with the company's Blue Shark Development Kits, integrates Zeevo's Bluetooth Protocol Stack, Real Time OS, and user application software into a single IC. The kit contains royalty-free object code of Zeevo's Bluetooth Embedded Protocol Stack, five profiles, drivers and utilities as well as source code for Zeevo's BlueOS RTOS and an evaluation version of the ARM Developer Suite. (e-inSITE)
Production and Repair Solutions from Kanda
Kanda's programmer targets 24Cxx, 25Cxx and 93Cxx Serial EEPROM devices from all manufacturers and features MCU reset capability and optional custom DLL and command line versions. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
TMS320VC5509 Evaluation Module Now Available
Spectrum Digital introduces an evaluation module for the Texas Instruments TMS320VC5509 DSP and a development kit that includes the EVM VC5509, power supply and Code Composer Studio. (Spectrum Digital)

News

Nokia Presses Open Platform Strategy
Mobile-phone handset vendor Nokia will license the source code for its internally-designed smart-phone software. Leading the charge for open technology that emerged as the rallying cry of the European mobile industry at the recent 3GSM World Congress, Nokia said it will offer its Series 60 software and the rest of 'an open smart-phone platform' to competing cell phone manufacturers. (EE Times)
Nexus Joins Alcatel Connected Partner Program
Alcatel adds Nexus Telecom to its Connected Partner Program to provide Alcatel customers with rapid and centralized fault isolation tools. Nexus' remote protocol analysis tool, NexusTRACE, works with the Alcatel 5620 Network Manager's Split & Monitor function, a diagnostic feature that allows network technicians to deal with network issues remotely and rapidly. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Partnership for Next-Generation Connected Mobile Devices
Intel and Microsoft will collaborate to optimize Microsoft's Windows CE .NET for the Intel Xsclae-based PXA250 and PXA210 applications processors in support of the Intel Personal Internet Client Architecture (Intel PCA). (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Commitment to Optimize BEA's Java Virtual Machine for Intel Architecture
Intel and BEA Systems are partnering to offer Intel's support for BEA's new Java Virtual Machine and to optimize the JVM for the BEA WebLogic Enterprise Platform on Intel Xeon and Itanium-based servers. The companies' say their alliance addresses customer demand for more choice of platforms for high-performing and scalable J2EE enterprise software solutions. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Intel Gets LynuxWorks Support
ADI Engineering will bundle the BlueCat Linux OS from LynuxWorks with its reference card design for the Intel i80200 Xscale, and BlueCat 4.0 will begin shipping for the Intel Internet Exchange Architecture (IXA) SDK 2.0 for the IXP1200 Network Processor family. The company also announced the first commercially available embedded Linux development environment for the Intel IOP321 I/O processor based on the Intel XScale technology. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Phoenix Expands Channel Business Model With New Partner Program for Developers
Phoenix kicks off its FirstAlliance Developer Partner Program, a two-level alliance program designed to give the company's BIOS software customers �instant on� enabling software for portable devices from ruggedized notebooks to inventory devices. Under the program, the company will empower qualified local engineering service companies around the globe to sell end-to-end solutions based on Phoenix core software code. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Mentor Still Moving in on Ikos
Mentor Graphics remains in hot pursuit of Ikos System but still hasn't managed to shake Synopsys. While waiting for an acquisition to hammer itself out, Ikos releases the updated VStation-15Mx Replicate Station, which extends the hardware/ software co-verification power of the VStation-5Mx)to 15-million gate capacity. (EE Times)
Tools of the trade: Successful DSP-Software Development and Testing
Using tested principles and design methodologies, you can create reliable, easy-to-integrate, easy-to-support, and high-quality code with a long life cycle. The resulting C code is platform-independent and reusable with standardized interfaces. (EDN)
Virtual Programmers Build Embedded Code
With shrinking software-development schedules and a growing shortage of skilled programmers, embedded-system designers are adopting automatic-code-generation tools to stay ahead of their competition. (EDN)
OS Opinion
The states now will be able to prove whether or not Microsoft was honest when it said its operating system could not be offered to consumers without integrated software. According to one opinion, that's a major battle won for those of us seeking a fair marketplace and freedom from Microsoft's integration actions. (Linux Net News {scan via})
Red Hat Embedded Year 2001 in Review
Red Hat shares how its open source embedded Linux fared during the calendar year 2001. Highlights include its partnership with 3G LAB to deliver the First Open Source Operating System for next generation mobile devices and the introduction of its Embedded Linux Developer Suite, (ChipCenter: WebScan)
System-level design merits a closer look
The complexity of today�s designs requires system-level design. However, EDA-tools development is lagging behind the needs of semiconductor and systems companies, and EDA tools must provide support. (e-inSITE)
The Software Side of 3GSM
Symbian made a low-key launch of its latest mobile communications OS at the 3GSM World Congress. Details of version 7.0 were scarce, but the release does include several mobile networking and messaging capabilities that were not fully integrated in the previous version 6.1, including both Internet Protocol Secure (IPsec) and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). RidgeRun has launched a multimedia mobile phone software platform for the development of GSM/GPRS and 3G handsets that integrates OMAP processors from Texas Instruments(TI) with a J2ME Java implementation from Smart Fusion. (EE Times)
Judge Says Microsoft Must Share Windows Code
The judge hearing nine U.S. states' antitrust complaint against Microsoft has instructed the software giant to open the source code for recent versions of its Windows OS (including XP and XP Embedded) to the plaintiffs so that a technical adviser can review the code and ascertain the truth of Microsoft's claim. (PC World)
LynuxWorks Looks for New Territory
Unique Memec has agreed to distribute LynuxWorks' embedded operating systems and software development solutions on a pan-European basis. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Microsoft Makes Waves at World Congress
At the recent 3GSM World Congress, Microsoft unveiled a host of new mobility software products and announced key relationships with operators, hardware manufacturers, silicon vendors and other partners to bring that software to market. Included in the announcement was an alliance with Intel for the development of smart phone and PDA reference designs. The company also allied itself with several industry initiatives and associations in promotion of open mobile standards and technologies. Product demos included the new Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Altium Announcements Include Training Centre and High-Performance Toolset
Swinburne University of Technology welcomes Altium Limited's Melbourne training centre at its Hawthorn campus. This initiative underscores Altium's commitment to engineering education, and it provides the company with premises for its Protel ProductTraining Centre when needed for corporate client training sessions. In return, Swinburne receives a 75-seat educational license for Altium�s EDA software Protel 99 SE. Altium also hit the news wire headlining its new TASKING StarCore-R- DSP toolset, designed specifically for high-performance DSP solutions and featuring an impressive list of optimization techniques--e-inSite has more. Another recent release from Altium identifies the company as the first and only compiler vendor to support all microcontrollers from Infineon Technology. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Kenwood�s New Entertainment Hub Enabled by Wind River Software and Services
Wind River Systems has granted Cool Customer Design recognition to Kenwood USA for its recently launched Sovereign Entr� Entertainment Hub, an audio component that stores and streams compressed music files, Internet radio, and serves as a main controller for other Kenwood Sovereign offerings within a home entertainment system. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Tool Suite for SH5 Under Construction
RedHat and SuperH join forces to make an open source compiler available for the new 64-bit SH5. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
eSOL Leverages ARM Tools For Embedded Systems Development Environments
eSOL has licensed the ARM compiler and associated tools and libraries for use in its eBinder �ITRON development environments. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Software Development Key to Success of DOD Project
Explore the breadth and depth of the US military's Joint Strike Fighter program and see how Lockheed Martin is stepping up to the task--from coordinating electronics and software development to managing a $200 billion budget. (Electronic Business)
Cynergy Signs Off
Cynergy's exit from the C-language design market, so soon after the demise of C Level Design, bodes ill for the high-level design community as a whole, says the company's former CTO. (EE Times)
Added Option for BlueCat Developers
LynuxWorks has announced that its BlueCat 4.0 Linux and VisualLynux IDE now support the ARM920T, enabling rapid development of embedded Linux software applications for the high-performance and low-powerprocessor. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
BAE Systems Selects OSE RTOS for Military Communications
The OSE RTOS has been chosen by BAE Systems for enhancement of its Multi-Role System (MRS) battlefield communication systems. The MRS family has been supplied to a number of countries as the basis of their national or area communications systems capabilities. (OSE Systems)
Making a Cooperative DES Algorithm: A Case Study
This continuing series of articles has presented a method of writing a cooperative multitasking system without the use of an embedded RTOS. Now, a look at converting a real world algorithm--a DES encryption algorithm--to work within the constraints of this type of a system and how to convert the encryption/decryption algorithm. (ChipCenter: EE Expert)
Palm's Software Side on Display
PC World offers a sneak peek at the upcoming PalmSource conference, where Palm will try to boost its appeal among corporate customers by providing further details about the next big release of its operating system and highlighting new business applications from partners. Motorola has recently announced that it plans to enhance its DragonBall MX1 and Super VZ microprocessors with portable game API software from SEGA. The partnership specifically targets next-gen Palm-powered devices. And PalmSource will see Metrowerks' CodeWarrior Development Tools for Palm OS Enterprise Edition, Version 8.0, which is designed to let developers address the needs of large corporations that require powerful, high-performance applications for distributing data to wireless devices in an efficient, secure way. (PC World)
Upgrading Using Data Packets
Upgrades to embedded systems must be able to be done remotely and with ease--and without sacrificing performance. Circuit Cellar's George Martin shares his first-hand experience in defining the structure of data packets and distributing new code via data packets to accomplish such an upgrade. (ChipCenter: Circuit Cellar)

Resources

Attention, Hardware and Software Engineers
The Chalkboard Network is offering a new course on the energy efficient design of electronic systems. The interactive course targets handheld device developers, addressing a number of issues relevant to system-level design.
EDA Portal
EEdesign.com is a stepping stone into the EDA industry, with seminar invitations, product information, and access to design tools.
Embedded Linux in Japan
The counterpart to the Embedded Linux Consortium has made inroads in Japan. Dubbed Emblix, the conglomeration of academics, consumer electronics manufacturers, and software developers is dedicated to open information exchange and standard-setting for embedded Linux, particularly focusing on open source support and interoperability issues.
ESC's Next Round
Sign on for the next Embedded Systems Conference near you. The show is celebrating Spring in California at San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center, then it's off to China. Course offerings and exhibits span the spectrum of embedded systems development, from Internet appliances to DSP, automotive, wireless and Java.
On the Embedded Edge
In case you haven't heard about Texas Instruments' Embedded Edge magazine, hook up with the archived editions and be sure to take a gander at the next batter up. Featured stories focus on development tool trends and eXpress DSP algorithm compliance--plus get the latest product announcements and handy tech tips.
RT and Embedded Systems Forum
The Open Group has announced the addition of a Real Time and Embedded Systems forum, the purpose of which is to establish standards for industry vendors, providing test tools and conformance certification.
Schedule for PTI Seminars
Tap into PTI Seminars to keep up on IC design and fabrication, electronics and devices, and more. A whole year of courses is already planned--all you have to do is sign up for your interest.
VSIPL Volunteers
The Vector Signal Image Processing Library forum has convened to establish API standards for embedded RT signal processing systems, with a first implementation in C. Look to their website for technical papers, meeting announcements, links, and related software.
Open SystemC Initiative
The OSCI was developed to combat the fragmentation of C++ in system-level design. Its website answers FAQs, and provides technical papers and news updates.
The Embedded Linux Consortium
The Embedded Linux Consortium was formed to help extend the Linux platform to embedded applications. The current website has current news, a membership application, and information contacts, and will likely expand as quickly as the embedded Linux movement.
SpecC Technology Open Consortium
The STOC seeks to set standards for SpecC in the embedded systems arena. Get membership information, news releases, and technical information.
VHDL International And OVI Become Accellera
Open Verilog International and VHDL International have joined forces to promote standardization of VHDL in electronic systems.
ChipCenter Reference Library
This is your access point for lots of good information covering applications, design tools, consultants, intellectual property, trade shows and standards.
Standards Watch
Here is your access point to the standards world.

Janice Hughes and Cindy Carrier
In 1994, Janice joined Circuit Cellar INK's staff first as technical editor then as managing editor. Since leaving INK, Janice has offered marketing communications services for embedded computing companies. After earning an English degree, Cindy has made her living doing freelance technical editing and writing.
Please send your comments to embedded.editors@cox.net.


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