Embedded Computing Design November 2006 / 11 ©2006 Opensystems Publishing

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COLUMNS FEATURES 8 Editor’s Foreword SPECIAL: Telematics Embedded computing – the final definition 14 The evolution of telematics continues By Jerry Gipper By Steve Rosebaugh, Freescale 10 Eclipse Perspective and News Easing embedded Linux software development for SBCs TECHNOLOGY: RapidIO – current state of affairs By Nathan Gustavson and Eric Rossi 20 The state of RapidIO: strong, proud, open By Tom Cox, RapidIO Trade Association 26 Core of next-generation base station architectures utilize DEPARTMENTS Serial RapidIO switches to interconnect multiple DSPs 39 Editor’s Choice Products By Bill Beane, IDT, and Manish N. Patel, Texas Instruments By Jerry Gipper 27 Embedded systems: the future of RapidIO technology 40 New Products By Ernie Bergstrom, Crystal Cube Consulting By Chad Lumsden APPLICATION: Intelligent transportation systems, infrastructure, vehicles 28 Mobile cellular communication: not just for people EVENTS By Peter Fowler, Siemens electronica November 14-17 Wireless devices – handheld, New Munich Trade Fair Centre Munich, Germany APPLICATION: www.global-electronics.net/id/20308 instrumentation, control 32 The rise of Linux for the handset By Paxton Cooper, Monta Vista COVER For Single Single Print Only Print O nly Telematics is continually integrating new functions, adding complexity to 34 Why memory matters: the future of the mobile handset OEM solutions. Automakers that want to keep up with these embedded systems must try new approaches discussed in detail starting on page 14. By Francois Kaplan, msystems Image courtesy of Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation. E-CASTS SA Forum: The Next Steps November 29, 2 p.m. EST Tackling FPGA Design Challenges for Embedded Systems November 30, 2 p.m. EST www.opensystems-publishing.com/ecast

OpenSystems Publishing™ E-LETTER November: www.embedded-computing.com/eletter Benchmarking wireless telecommunications infrastructure equipment OpenSystems By Peter Carlston, Intel Publishing™

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Embedded and Test & Analysis Group n Embedded Computing Design n Embedded Computing Design E-letter n Embedded Computing Design Resource Guide n Industrial Embedded Systems n Industrial Embedded Systems E-letter n Industrial Embedded Systems Resource Guide n PXI, Test & Technology n PXI, Test & Technology E-letter n PXI, Test & Technology Resource Guide Editorial Director Jerry Gipper [email protected] Contributing Editor Don Dingee Technical Editor Chad Lumsden [email protected] Associate Editor Jennifer Hesse [email protected] European Representative Hermann Strass [email protected] Special Projects Editor Bob Stasonis Senior Designer Joann Toth Senior Web Developer Konrad Witte Graphic Specialist David Diomede OpenSystems Circulation/Office Publishing™ Manager Phyllis Thompson [email protected] RSC# 01 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc OpenSystems Publishing™OpenSystems Publishing Editorial/Production office: 16872 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Ste 203, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 Tel: 480-967-5581 n Fax: 480-837-6466 Website: www.opensystems-publishing.com Publishers John Black, Michael Hopper, Wayne Kristoff For Single Vice SinglePresident EditorialPrint Rosemary Kristoff Only Print O nly Communications Group Editorial Director Joe Pavlat Assistant Managing Editor Anne Fisher Senior Editor (columns) Terri Thorson Technology Editor Curt Schwaderer Associate Editor Jennifer Hesse European Representative Hermann Strass

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Embedded computing – the final definition

Jerry Gipper

hroughout the year I’ve presented various spins on the The same hardware can conceivably be used in all three forms. definition of embedded computing. In January, I talked A server blade could be used in a server, a Personal Computer Tabout my quest to Wikipedia for this definition and how the (PC), or an embedded computer. To the other extreme, my Treo description of embedded systems seemed to fit well. An embed- could be a server or a PC, though not a very good one. PC technol- ded system is defined as “a special-purpose computer system, ogy is often used across all three forms, either in the packaging which is completely encapsulated by the device it controls.” The or as a motherboard. What makes it fall into one form or another completely encapsulated term is important to the definition. The is software. difficulty in distinguishing the compute elements as a computer is a key factor to being classified as embedded. My attempts at defining shades of gray were really software influenced. Hardware characteristics are modified based on the In March, I modified the definition with shades of gray, making it software running on the machine. Software plays a key role in easier to put certain devices into classes of embedded computers. I determining the classification of the system, whether the system is used the term hard embedded to describe devices that are difficult hard, firm, or soft embedded. to repurpose, firm embedded for devices that a user could repurpose with some effort, and soft embedded for systems that even a novice user could quickly repurpose. Typically, access to the I have always believed a computer is the programming interface determines the particular shade of gray. combination of hardware and software – After all that, something was still missing in my definition. I found it hard to place certain devices; for instance, general purpose pro- you can’t talk about one without cessors can be used in a wide variety of computers. So I searched Wikipedia again, seeking the “holy grail” of a definition, this time entering the word computer. A couple of statements hit me, includ- considering the other. ing the basic definition: “A computer is a machine for manipulating data according to a list of instructions known as a program.” So I’m going to stick with my interpretations of the definitions of According to this definition, without a list of instructions or computer, embedded computer, and embedded systems with my software, hardware is simply an undefined machine. This made color added for a spectrum of embedded computers in this final me feel better sinceFor I have always believed Single a computer is the definition: Single Print Only Print O nly combination of hardware and software – you can’t talk about one without considering the other. Companies that specialize in A special-purpose computer (a machine for manipulating one are not successful if they don’t fully understand the other. data according to a list of instructions known as a program) system, which is completely encapsulated by the device it Upon closer examination of the Wikipedia definition, I discovered controls. It may be hard, firm, or soft dedicated to that spe- descriptions for three forms of computers: cial purpose depending on the capabilities given to the user of the device by the combination of hardware and software. n “Enormous computing facilities for specialized scientific computation and for the transaction processing requirements Hardware and software are equally important parts of the defini- of large organizations.” These computers, commonly called tion. To that end, Embedded Computing Design is dedicated to servers, don’t always have to be enormous computing covering both. facilities. Servers can be installed at small organizations that need these types of services. Next year, I plan to spend more time investigating where the n “Smaller computers designed for individual use are called centers of excellence for embedded computing designs are and personal computers. Along with its portable equivalent, the the various types of technology used, for example PCs and laptop computer, the personal computer is the ubiquitous Systems-on-Chip. If you have any comments or input on this topic, information processing and communication tool, and is feel free to send them to me. usually what is meant by ‘a computer.’” In other words, this is the picture that most often comes to mind when someone Jerry Gipper mentions the word computer. Editorial Director n “However, the most common form of computer in use today is the embedded computer. Embedded computers are usually relatively simple and physically small computers used to control another device. They may control machines from fighter aircraft to industrial robots to digital cameras.” These are the computers we encounter everywhere we turn. The average user finds them difficult to understand and appreciate.

ost programmers today leaving college with Electrical Engineering or Computer Science degrees are fairly well versed in programming on a Linux desktop plat- By Nathan Gustavson and Eric Rossi Mform. When these programmers need to take the leap to programming embedded Linux systems, they are often surprised and bewildered that the program they wrote on their desktop will not run their Linux embedded system.

To alleviate this problem, some programmers choose to use versions of desktop systems in embedded applications. This is generally not a good fit as desktop systems typically have fans and hard drives, which are failure points. A bigger obstacle is fast change; the need to have the fastest, newest technology obsoletes desktop systems in as little as six months. Designing a long-life embedded product around a platform with no longevity is a recipe for disaster.

Even if desktop platforms could be guaranteed to be around five years from now, the Linux kernel and associated distributions are moving targets. The kernel and standard libraries are constantly evolving, and distributions are fighting to keep pace. Kernel patches and library updates can render a user’s program inoper- able. This situation is exacerbated when engineers are required to update development machines due to a security hole or other issue. A way to abstract the embedded development environment Figure 1 from the standardFor desktop environment is needed.Single Single Print Only Print O nly The flexibility of this solution led EMAC and other embedded The key is not only to find a long-life embedded Linux hardware software companies to build development platforms in an platform, but also a long-life embedded Linux software platform. Eclipse environment. This commercial adoption has created Accomplished embedded Linux programmers often can create de facto standardization for embedded code developers. OEMs an embedded development platform by gathering the correct can write Eclipse plug-ins and projects that work with GNU tool libraries and tool versions, and modifying the Makefile appro- chains while providing compatibility with numerous commercial priately. Even when successful, it’s a suboptimum development platforms running both Windows and Linux. environment. Embedded Java Ideally, compilers should not rely on the libraries and kernels EMAC’s original Eclipse environment was developed for the of their host, but instead on the tool chain of the more static SoM-400M module, using a DS400 TINI processor from Dallas/ target. The software platform should be compatible with other Maxim. This processor’s firmware contains a proprietary embed- platforms, other Operating Systems (OSs), and other languages. ded JRE. Building Java code for the system is completed by The Software Development Kit (SDK) should be based on tool compiling classes for a normal JRE environment, replacing the chains with broad community support so that even if one of the core jars with TINI specific jars and then converting the resulting organizations driving the SDK stops supporting it, it survives on classes into TINI executables. the shoulders of the rest. To do this developers took advantage of Eclipse’s native Ant Enter Eclipse support, which can be used to create a kind of advanced Java Eclipse is an open source, redistributable, cross-platform frame- Makefile in XML format. Ant then builds targets by using work for code development. It natively supports Java and C/C++ Eclipse’s JDTcompileradaptor class, which makes the inter- with its CDT plug-in. It provides many of the same functions nal compiler available to Ant’s tasks. The Sourceforge TiniAnt that have been reinvented over and over by the commercial Inte- extension then performs the final conversion from Java class to grated Development Environments (IDEs) (syntax highlight- TINI executable. All the complex declarations required to do ing, language aware searches, code completion, and so on) but this are hidden in a top-level build.properties file, vastly reduc- doesn’t rely on any one particular set of tools to accomplish it ing the complexity of compilation for the SoM-400M to simple, (see Figure 1). standard Ant tasks.

10 / November 2006 Embedded Computing Design ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. SDKBASE=../../ CROSS=$(SDKBASE)gcc-4.0.0-i486-D/bin/i486-linux- CC=$(CROSS)gcc LIBFLAGS =-lc #VERBOSE=-v CFLAGS= -g Cross-compiled C OFLAGS=-Wl The Eclipse tools project provides an open, redistributable C devel- TARGET=hello opment plug-in called the CDT. It CFILES=hello.c provides, among other things: all: $(TARGET) $(TARGET): objects n Syntax highlighting $(CC) $(VERBOSE) *.o $(OFLAGS) $(SLIBS)-o $(TARGET) $(LIBFLAGS) n Code completion objects: $(CFILES) n On-the-fly builds $(CC) $(VERBOSE) $(CFLAGS) -c $(CFILES) n Debugger integration (using GDB’s MI interface) clean: $(RM) *.o *.gdb $(TARGET) It does not provide the actual com- TARGET_IP=192.168.0.1 piler, linker, and debugger binaries. LOGIN=someuser These are specific to the target being PASSWORD=somepassword built for and must be provided from upload: an external source. They can then be wput $(TARGET) integrated into Eclipse by writing ftp://$(LOGIN):$(PASSWORD)@$(TARGET_IP)/../../tmp/$(TARGET) an Eclipse plug-in, or, more simply, by using “standard” make projects Listing 1 and specifying the compiler in the Makefile. EMAC eliminates this problem by integrating Eclipse plug-ins The Makefile in Listing 1 will compile a simple Hello World that allow for SSH, Telnet, and Terminal connections all within example project in the EMAC Eclipse environment. Eclipse. This allows the programmer to monitor the embedded target board as if it were a local file system and issue commands Like the embedded Java environment, complex compiler/linker directly without having to leave the Eclipse environment. flags common to all projects are hidden in a higher-level file, which is then included by all Makefiles in the SDK.

EMAC provides cross-compilers for all its boards by building freely available GNU cross-compilers against the libraries of the target development OS. On Linux these libraries are native; on Windows the Cygwin library is used. We then “hide” the actual Eclipse executable and replace it with a batch file that temporar- ily adds the requiredFor paths to support the GNUSingle tool chains when Single Print Only Print O nly Eclipse is started.

Debugging Debugging takes place using GDB and GDBServer to facilitate a remote debugging environment. To accomplish this, the compiled executable is uploaded to the SBC and a GDBServer session is initiated listening on a specific port or serial terminal. The Eclipse Debugging perspective allows the user to then debug the application by specifying the connection parameters to use as well as the version of GDB built for the target architecture.

The Debugging perspective displays the source code of the program to be debugged and the generated assembly code. It is easy to manage and monitor breakpoints and variables, as well as single-step through the program line by line. The current position in the source code is automatically highlighted. Eclipse provides a graphical debugging environment that greatly simplifies the process of remote target debugging.

Target communication When developing for an embedded environment, it will be necessary to establish a connection with the target board, either by a serial terminal program or through TCP using a Telnet, SSH, or other similar connection. When this is done through the command line interface or a graphical front end, the programmer is forced to constantly switch between windows to monitor the connection and the IDE simultaneously. RSC# 11 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc

CVS Eclipse provides a powerful CVS natively. By setting up a CVS login and providing passwords to customers, developers can insure they always have access to the most recent versions of code and bug fixes for products.

Uploading software patches and entirely new components for SDKs onto a CVS server provides up-to-the-minute software support to customers, who can graphically view differences in files and patch their own SDK with some, all, or none of what has been uploaded.

Documentation Eclipse provides its own native browser, which is beneficial for creating HTML linked documentation right in the workspace. In this way, customers can browse through HTML documentation (similar to that generated by Doxygen and Javadoc). Context- sensitive help is also integrated in Eclipse (see Figure 2), allowing new users to be more productive. Figure 2

This documentation can link right back to the software develop- can create a robust, cross-platform development platform for er’s website as well, allowing user documentation to be added their boards that will run on the same platform adopted by many dynamically. Users can switch right from code to documentation commercial software vendors. with a tab, rather than navigating several windows at once. Within the Eclipse framework, EMAC uses cross-compilation to Integrated tools, better development alleviate the problem of abstracting the embedded development Eclipse provides an environment where GNU tools and com- environment from the standard desktop environment. Debug- mercial tools can play together. With a little integration, an OEM ging is accomplished using GDB with Eclipse windows for the

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12 / November 2006 Embedded Computing Design ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. debugger’s input and output. Communication with the target is also integrated into Eclipse through Telnet, FTP, Terminal, and SSH plug-ins. CVS version control and HTML documentation are both accomplished within the Eclipse environment as well.

All of the aforementioned development capabilities rolled up into a standard IDE make for a powerful, efficient development platform that can be used with a small 8-bit Java-based controller and a 32-bit Linux server programmed in C. This is the power of Eclipse.

Nathan Z. Gustavson is a senior systems engineer at EMAC, Inc. specializing in Linux and real-time control. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and is currently pursing an MS at Southern Illinois University.

Eric Rossi is a senior manager at EMAC, Inc. where he is responsible for new product development and custom engineering management. Eric has more than 25 years of experience in embedded system design and holds a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology as well as a BS and MS in Computer Science.

To learn more, contact Nathan or Eric at:

EMAC, Inc. 2390 EMAC Way Carbondale, IL 62902 618-529-4525 Nathan: [email protected] Eric: [email protected] www.emacinc.com

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Embedded Computing Design November 2006 / 13 ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. “Finding ways to leverage and scale the software solution over time and across vehicle platforms can pay big dividends,

accelerate time to market, and improve overall quality.”

The Overall, the cost of designing point solutions has risen too high, and cutting costs is not just about optimizing bill- of of-materials cost. Significant software evolution development effort is required for each new product. Finding ways to leverage and scale the software solution over time and across vehicle platforms can pay big telematics dividends, accelerate time to market, and improve overall quality. continues Finding the ideal System-on-Chip (SoC) solution is getting harder due to tech- By Steve Rosebaugh nology trends in semiconductors that allow more functionality to be put into the package. The days of custom ICs for Telematic systems are becoming quickly gathered some leading awards automotive are gone, and seeking a stan- widely deployed in automobiles for innovation. However, industry leaders dard IC solution requires a complex set of still quarreled about what customers compromises. around the world. Understanding wanted and what they would pay for. the nuances of automotiveFor SingleThis prompted suppliers to provideSingle vari- OnePrint compromise is accepting moreOnly Print O nly ous solutions with different scopes of functionality integrated in silicon than applications can give designers an functionality. Yet at the heart of telemat- is actually needed because the ideal set advantage. Steve discusses some ics, three required elements stood out: of functions is unlikely to be found. The of the problems in developing location-based services, wireless connec- challenge in downscaling SoC designs tivity, and safe user interfaces. toward reduced functionality arises from embedded telematic systems and the required packaging technology in explains why designers must choose From point solutions to automotive applications and how it leads scalability to pad-limited die sizes. Using multi- wisely to thrive in the telematics As much as any system in an automobile, plexed pin assignments can mitigate this, market. telematics requires the highest levels of but it has its limitations. computing performance often driven by speech-interface requirements, which The choice of silicon can affect the cost In the beginning include sample rate conversion, acoustic of specific software solutions desired In the 1990s, automakers concluded tech- echo cancellation, and noise cancellation depending on their readiness and avail- nology and costs were reaching a point found in hands-free cellular and autono- ability. Furthermore, if a different hard- where embedded telematics solutions mous speech-recognition applications. ware architecture is chosen for subsequent would be a viable, differentiating addition systems, a new software porting, testing, to their vehicles. They debated fiercely While other embedded systems in auto- and support effort creates a prohibitive about whether the investment would be motives feature specialized MCUs with new hardware learning curve. worth it, and some believed that success embedded RAM and flash memories, in telematics was tied to finding the “killer telematics systems drive automakers into With automakers embracing CMOS application.” Then one day, the starting architectures with much larger memory 90 nm technology and beyond, getting gun was fired and the race began. requirements and full-fledged operat- the needed system bandwidth while ing systems. More than ever before, the keeping power consumption manage- Most Americans first learned about significant software investments required able is now possible. Perhaps the bigger telematics in 1996 when General Motors are taking the lead when choosing system challenge will be merging other vehi- introduced the OnStar system, which architectures for telematics. cle functionality with these systems to

14 / November 2006 Embedded Computing Design ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. optimize overall cost. In addition, if new The most important hardware component Controller Area Network (CAN) control- functionality can be added with little decision will be the CPU. The perfor- lers have become the primary choice for additional hardware, the consumer value mance, integration, and cost of the CPU vehicles worldwide. CAN is a mature and of these systems will rise. are key to guiding products into volume highly reliable network protocol support- markets. This market space requires a ing 125 Kbps at low speed and 1 Mbps at OEM versus aftermarket – the 32-bit class processor with clock rates high speed. CAN also has strong support view looks different that vary from 200 MHz to 400 MHz in both automotive and industrial markets Telematics systems OEMs have several plus. These will generally have Level 1 with many product choices. advantages over aftermarket solutions. cache, but not Level 2. Memory man- Only OEM solutions can be tied into agement units are common along with Local Interconnect Network (LIN) is a vehicle body controls for enhanced safety floating-point units and direct memory good choice for low-cost sub-bus net- and security. They can also provide the access architectures. works running at up to 20 Kbps, but it following features that generate addi- rarely connects directly to telematics or tional revenue streams: Vehicle networking, system integra- infotainment systems. The LIN master tion, and user-interface systems usually can provide a gateway connection to n Remote vehicle diagnostics, which not require a wide variety of I/O and network the vehicle CAN network, allowing indir- only enhance the owner’s experience, connections. With automobiles often ect control of LIN-controlled devices in but also help the OEM develop a having three to five separate networks, the vehicle. better customer relationship n Server-based, turn-by-turn navigation that is much more affordable than autonomous navigation systems n Concierge services

Perhaps the ultimate aftermarket telematics solution is the cell phone. Especially given the rapidly rising cellular GPS attach rates and ubiquity of 911 centers, the basic need of getting help could be right in the palm of your hand. Best of all, if the user already has a cell phone, it is a no-additional-cost option.

However, while entertainment and navigation applications will continue to enjoy an aftermarket presence, telematics seems firmly planted in the realm of OEM solutions. Telematics systems offer stolen vehicle location and automated air bag deployment notifications in addition to emergencyFor services, remote door Single Single Print Only Print O nly unlocking, and routing assistance. These solutions also provide the safest, easy-to- use interfaces.

Telematics is increasingly integrating new functions, adding complexity to OEM solutions. Digital entertainment systems simply absorb broader functionality due to common requirements across different systems. Whether it’s telematics or infotainment, these embedded systems are reaching complexities that urge automakers to try new approaches.

Seeking the elusive platform solution Embedded infotainment and telematics control units share many common hardware functional requirements. They vary only slightly from region to region, allowing manufacturers to leverage common hardware platforms. The performance requirements fall generally into two areas: network processing and media (audio/video) processing. Either area can drive significant performance requirements depending on the application. RSC# 15 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc

Embedded Computing Design November 2006 / 15 ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. FlexRay, a relatively new protocol devel- adoption. Figure 1 compares features of applications and regions, and are evolv- oped by Freescale Semiconductor in each automotive wired network. ing rapidly. While commercial markets conjunction with Daimler-Chrysler and continue to drive key two-way wireless BMW, is a TDM protocol supporting Wireless networking is also critical, technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, up to 10 Mbps with very high determin- although much more challenging for a Ultra Wide Band (UWB), and cellular, auto- ism. It is nearing production in some number of technical reasons. First, the makers will need new strategies to adapt European vehicles for brake-by-wire Radio Frequency (RF) aspect makes and utilize these solutions effectively. and steer-by-wire applications. Although integrating wireless networks into an FlexRay may not be directly connected SoC ineffective today. Second, wireless When it comes to CPU architectures, with infotainment and telematics systems, requirements vary dramatically across automakers must first resist the tempta- they can be accessed through the CAN network provided a suitable gateway is Status Conduit Speed Application implemented in the system architecture. Production Copper 20 Kbps Body FlexRay may also be used as a vehicle LIN diagnostic backbone. Local Interconnect Network CAN Mature Copper 1 Mbps Body, Production Powertrain On the high-performance side, the Controller Area Network Media-Oriented System Transport FlexRay Production Copper 10 Mbps X-by-wire, (MOST) is a proprietary solution suit- Diagnostics able for networked multimedia applica- D2B Production Copper or Optic 25 Mbps Infotainment tions. The MOST bus can deliver up to Digital Data Bus 24 Mbps performance over plastic fiber Production Copper or Optic > 25 Mbps Infotainment optic. MOST is a relatively new tech- MOST Media-Oriented System Transport nology in production at some European vehicle OEMs. An automotive version IDB1394 Introduction Copper or Optic > 400 Mbps Infotainment of FireWire called IDB1394 has been defined, but is still looking for market Figure 1

tion to drive pennies out of the chip hardware only to spend extra dollars on the software development, integration, and testing. Software has become a primary consideration in the development cost and lead time for new infotainment and telematics systems.

Software platforms and standards For Single Single AlthoughPrint the boundaries within autoOnly- Print O nly motive embedded software systems are blurred, the three main sections include the Real Time Operating System (RTOS), networking software, and application code. Network software comes from a variety of sources, including the RTOS provider, specialized network solutions companies like VectorCAN, proprietary solutions providers like MOST, and possible owned solutions from the automaker.

With so many networks running around the car, it’s obvious that embedded products in the vehicle should be part of a distributed product architecture. This means careful consideration is critical for achieving the desired application code function and performance. The system planner must consider:

n What protocol and connections are needed n How to initialize the network n How to manage power moding n How to transfer files and handle errors RSC# 16 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc n How data and messages are defined

16 / November 2006 Embedded Computing Design ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. Recognizing the need for a standard systems. Also, system design manu- software architecture for independent facturers cannot afford to spend time information exchange, the International developing and supporting an inadequate Standards Organization developed operating system. ISO 7498, more commonly known as the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) Certain standards such as the Portable 7-Layer Model. The model describes Operating System Interface (POSIX) the overall network operating strategy standard can further refine the platform’s requirements and provides a powerful value. This standard is designed to assure method for depicting the structure of a code portability between systems. If generic network solution. the RTOS vendor advertises POSIX conformance, then the entire standard is Even so, automakers can still face long, supported. An independent certification expensive software development cycles. should be available upon request. They are constantly looking for ways to cut development lead time, reduce code Several attributes may be found in every complexity, and improve code quality RTOS with POSIX conformance. The at the same time. These point toward RTOS can distinguish between threads shifting expectations from software and and processes to support signals, and system vendors to finding a platform will reside in a different name space with approach to product development. its own symbols table. The number and types of function calls can vary depend- Without a platform approach, software ing on the version of POSIX standard development teams swell in size to deal supported. It is important to check these with various permutations of micropro- kinds of details when planning a project. cessors, programming languages, compilers, debuggers, and other tools. Once Some software vendors advertise POSIX you map out the needed programmers compliance, which usually indicates and skills sets, the challenge can become partial conformance to the entire speci- overwhelming. This leads to feature com- fication. The vendor should clearly promises, schedule delays, cost overruns, indicate the differences. Even a POSIX and quality incidents. conformance solution may have extensions not covered by the standard, so One of the most important platform buyers should be fully aware of what software decisions will be choosing the they are purchasing. In any case, POSIX operating system. Homegrown and free is a standard gaining wide acceptance in choices may seem tempting in the short different industries and will be valuable run. Some may Forsay, “We’re better off Singleto automotive suppliers. Single Print Only Print O nly with the devil we know than the devil we don’t know.” However, the dramatically Figure 2 shows a hardware architecture increasing complexity of software solu- for high-end infotainment and navigation tions requires architectures specifically systems. In choosing an RTOS, there is designed for high-featured operating usually an associated development tool

Vehicle Network CAN PHY External MPC5200 x2 CAN Connection DDR1/2 PowerPC Codec Microphone Memory PSC Embedded Bluetooth DMA PSC BT Chipset e300 Core and Antenna Wireless External PATA CD/DVD Flash Drive Memory 802.11 USB PCI PSC Backup Camera PSC USB I2C System Positioning Radio Power System Supply

Graphics Processor Class D RSC# 17 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc Amps USB PHY

GPS Antenna Personal LCD TFT Touch Media Speakers Screen Display Device

Figure 2

Embedded Computing Design November 2006 / 17 ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. chain. Despite some flexibility in sub- Grade Linux kernel has been enhanced and very reliable embedded OpenGL stituting compilers and debuggers, this with nontraditional features that address drivers and solutions. They also support warrants a close look during the decision- the specific requirements of automotive many popular RTOS products such as making process. Staying close to ANSI-C performance specifications, including fast Green Hills Integrity, QNX Neutrino, standards and GCC compilers can help. device boot time, a real-time execution Wind River VxWorks, and Linux options. However, a change to a new RTOS will environment, and a power management Figure 3 shows the Media5200 mobileGT likely involve a learning curve, prevent- framework,” he says. Standard Development Platform. ing any big dividends at first. Designers and developers will probably need a Another important platform consideration “Today’s Telematics solutions are all few learning cycles on the new RTOS is the graphical standards that are sup- about openness and scalability, and that before they can begin experiencing higher ported. Excessive hours and cost can be includes the display technology,” says levels of software reuse. tied up in coding and modifying graphical Chris Brady, president of ALT Software. interfaces for applications. Designing to a “OpenGL provides a common and easy- “The need to support multiple network graphics standard like OpenGL opens up to-program API that abstracts the graphic protocols is driving complexity in vehicle options for graphical design tools that can hardware from the software application, systems,” says Andrew Poliak at QNX quickly pay for themselves in the speed thus vastly improving hardware scal- Software. “This system complexity drives and quality of the graphics software ability from FPGAs to 3D graphics. suppliers to abandon legacy operating development. [OpenGL] applies equally to both 2D systems designed for simpler, fixed- and 3D graphics and allows Tier 1 auto- function devices. When you start com- Developing the Graphical User Interface motive suppliers to scale their solutions bining multiple wired and wireless (GUI) for a device can consume too quickly and cost effectively as dashboard technologies, multiple proprietary device much time, resources, and money while displays continue to evolve in telematics drivers, and multiple third-party applica- numerous iterations and refinements push systems.” tions, complexity goes up considerably, schedules past deadlines. Visual design and a modular, memory-protected, highly tools can be very cost effective, provided A lesson from Darwin reliable operating system becomes an they support the software architecture What does the future of embedded absolute requirement.” and graphic standards like OpenGL. automotive infotainment and telematics For example, Tilcon’s graphics engine look like? Technology trends point Another trend in embedded software is and library are showcased in Freescale’s toward dramatically increasing function- Device Software Optimization (DSO). Media 5200 Evaluation Kit as part of ality at lower costs. The ability to inte- The increasing sophistication and Freescale’s and Wind River’s Pre- grate significant portions of the systems complexity in embedded computing is Integrated Automotive Devices Solution. onto silicon and improving the costs and driving companies to structured ap- capabilities of ASSP products are driving proaches that enable deterministic sched- developers away from custom solutions uling and budgeting of their software toward standard solutions and greater projects. Software development lead time dependence on software. is a significant factor for new product introductions, andFor developing a series Single Single AutomakersPrint face new software chalOnly- Print O nly of successful point solutions doesn’t lenges. More than ever, automakers are necessarily help produce the next solu- beginning to adopt commercially avail- tion any faster or cheaper. able RTOS solutions and develop the skills to use them well. More importantly, Wind River has comprehensively em- they are seeking new relationships where braced DSO in their software devel- the system supplier, software vendors, opment tool chain. “Device Software and IC vendors are expected to deliver Optimization is a rigorous methodology greater portions of the system solutions. that extends from the level of the indi- They lose some of the design options of vidual project across the enterprise,” says the past, but they can stay focused on John Bruggerman, chief marketing officer Figure 3 the end product and get to market more at Wind River. “The future of this industry quickly. and of our connected world depends upon The Media5200 Development System companies embracing a DSO strategy to offers an example of collaboration Darwin concluded in his theory of evo- ensure quality, reliability, and interoper- between software and tool providers to lution that the most adaptable species ability among deployed devices.” offer preintegrated and tested solutions. survive, not necessarily the strongest. So “The Tilcon Interface Development Suite don’t confuse the real issues here. Having Linux is a breed of its own. While the includes a powerful visual design tool the lowest possible hardware cost will entry cost of this popular open source [GUI and HMI Builder],” says Prosanto not be competitive in the market if the operating system is low, the long-term Sankar, president of Tilcon. “Its unique software development becomes too cus- picture for automakers is not clear. Early architecture allows developers to easily tomized, especially at the lower levels concerns with the licensing and deter- rebrand GUIs at a fraction of the time in the system like device drivers. And if minism slowed acceptance in automotive and cost of traditional code-based GUI getting the hardware cost scrubbed to the applications. However, Greg Hemstreet, solutions.” penny creates a point solution, the inability an automotive marketing manager at to quickly create an improved derivative Freescale Semiconductor provides a Another example of this, ALT Software, product with high software reuse could promising outlook. “The Automotive provides deterministic, high-performance, leave vendors struggling to survive.

18 / November 2006 Embedded Computing Design ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. Be sure to recognize the true predators. The consumer market is driving new digital entertainment, connectivity, and mobility much faster than automakers can keep up. Evolving standards around these applications create a significant challenge for developing future-proof embedded systems in cars. While automakers can keep control of the wired networks in their vehicles, the wireless networks present an entirely different set of obstacles that will require creative, flexible approaches.

How to survive so you can thrive To just survive is not enough. Developers want to be “players” and truly thrive in the market. Choosing the best technology will be necessary, but not wholly sufficient. First, the product must be aligned to clear customer-driven requirements and driven by increased value to customers, car dealers, and automakers. Second, a good platform approach must be iden- tified and used. The sooner investment in learning cycles begins, the sooner the dividends will appear. And finally, stay alert. Competition is fierce, and many outside influences are beyond control. Not every product may be a winner, but with a platform approach, adaptation is much quicker and will be key for survival.

Steve Rosebaugh is a senior product manager at Freescale Semi- Forconductor where Single Single Print Only Print O nly he currently is responsible for business development and product marketing in infotainment and navigation markets for automotive. His background includes experience in IC product design, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing. Steve holds a BSEE from the University of Illinois.

To learn more, contact Steve at:

Freescale Semiconductor

6501 William Cannon Drive West

Austin, TX 78735

[email protected]

www.freescale.com RSC# 19 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc

The RapidIO technology is gies and products, all claiming to provide form a base for six FPGA and ASIC sup- the most compelling solution. pliers, a dozen IP providers, and more quickly gaining traction as a leading than 20 board suppliers to the VME and parallel and serial interconnect with These new and improved solutions leave AdvancedTCA markets. Software for plenty of activity in the specification many questions to be answered. Can the operating systems and network man- technology do the job? What’s the long- agement complement the total solutions and in the markets. Tom Cox, executive term road map? Can I get all the compo- available using RapidIO technology. director of the RapidIO Trade Associa- nents I need to build the system? Will the components work together seamlessly? Too many RapidIO-based products are tion, shares his views of the state of Are parts available from my current sup- shipping to list them all here, however the RapidIO. pliers? Are other competitors using this 80-plus products and nearly 50 profiles of technology? Can I develop a cost/perfor- our members can be found in the RapidIO mance advantage with this solution? Product Showcase at www.RapidIO.org/ productshowcase. The RapidIO Trade Association, like The RapidIO Trade Association has many industry standards organizations, developed a world-class technology, the Interoperability was formed to develop a specification largest, strongest embedded ecosystem Interoperability is an important issue to and promote the common business inter- of suppliers, proven interoperability, OEM design engineers. Recognizing est of its members. These members are a broad range of interworking abilities that, the RapidIO Trade Association took only one of the keys to the tremendous with PCI, PCI Express, and message a unique approach in developing the success of this international industry passing (for example, Ethernet encapsu- RapidIO standard, starting at the root of standard. They are the providers of the lation). All these come with a road map design to address interoperability. The networking, telecom, storage, signal pro- that adds functionality and technology to RapidIO Trade Association, unlike other cessor, and high-performance embedded keep pace with systems’ cost and perfor- groups, has a standard bus functional applications industries. Members with mance demands. model for semiconductor and system a common interest alone do not make a design simulation. Before vendors tape successful association or ensure that the Ecosystem out or, in many cases before they build other necessary elements are in place to: A strong and growing ecosystem is the their first system, they are ensured that the first critical proof point designers need semiconductor or systems investment they n Create a viableFor and strong ecosystem Singleto see before they even consider Singlea new madePrint will interoperate with other vendors. Only Print O nly n Support the creation of interoperable, technology. Too often embedded design- Freescale Semiconductor developed a bus scalable, and reliable I/O products ers look only to ecosystems that were functional model for RapidIO and donated n Develop international open industry established to support the PC industry. In it to the trade association. A RapidIO standards for a high-performance, the early days of embedded design, that working group manages this full-function packet-switched, system-level may have been sufficient, and for PCI model, and trade association members interconnect with a viable, long-term bus, for example. But as time proved and fund its maintenance in an open source road map technology advanced, it was clear that model. This value-add is available openly components required for embedded to all members of the organization and has RapidIO technology is based on a truly applications could not emanate from the proven to be both popular and effective. open, established switched fabric stan- PC ecosystem, and parts were developed dard designed by embedded engineers to specifically to address the unique require- In addition to addressing interoper- power applications in military, industrial, ments of embedded designs. ability at the design stage, the RapidIO wireless, triple play, multimedia, and other Trade Association has developed a set communications markets, and to deliver Today, the embedded marketplace has of checklists to ensure components can the reliability, cost effectiveness, perfor- developed its own solutions with the sup- be thoroughly tested for compliance to mance, and scalability required by OEMs pliers and supply timelines that match the specification. The interoperability is building next-generation equipment embedded designers’ needs. The RapidIO guaranteed by creating a gold standard today. The RapidIO Trade Association ecosystem comprises market-leading checklist for lab testing. Evidence of is governed by industry leaders AMCC, component manufacturers and OEMs this success was seen at a recent Global EMC, Ericsson, Freescale Semiconductor, that have created a plethora of RapidIO Design Summit hosted by the RapidIO Lucent Technologies, Mercury Computer products, all of which deliver the high- Trade Association where components Systems, PMC-Sierra, Texas Instruments, est performance at the best total cost of from 16 vendors were demonstrated, Tundra Semiconductor, and Wind River. ownership. successfully working together.

The embedded marketplace is constantly At the time this article was written, four The RapidIO community has worked moving and evolving, and designers are high-performance switch vendors joined together like no other standards organiza- bombarded endlessly with new technolo- with two DSP and processor vendors to tion to test and put in place the capability

20 / November 2006 Embedded Computing Design ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. to test the elements of the RapidIO eco- Technology road map New higher-performance physical layers system. In 2005, Tundra Semiconductor The RapidIO Trade Association tech- have been developed to support grow- kicked off an effort to facilitate an nical working groups are supporting ing demands for 5 Gbps and 6.25 Gbps interoperability lab, RIOLAB. RIOLAB current RapidIO technology deployment channel rates. These new speeds will use commenced full operations and started with a road map to higher performance currently available PHY technology in a accepting reservations for test sessions and greater functionality. The current partnership with the Optical Internetwork- from vendors and OEMs involved in 1.3 version of the specification pulls ing Forum (OIF). These features include: RapidIO-based product development in together all of the advanced multicast July of this year. The vision is for this and data streaming enhancements that n Rev 2.0 backwards compatibility lab to develop into an independent test- have been approved. n Link width options of 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, ing facility to be used by all vendors to and 16x test device interoperability and run the Current specification additions fall into n Signaling rates of 1.25, 2.5, 3.125, checklist. The goal of the lab is to pro- two major areas of concentration: new 5.0, and 6.25 Gbps vide a level of testing OEMs can rely on higher-performance physical layer and n Hot-plug support at the electrical for specification compliance assurance significant data plane enhancements. level so they can focus their efforts on systems development. This is just one example of the unique collaboration found in the RapidIO community.

Interworking With an ever-present push to lower engineering and system costs, leveraging industry standards has greatly increased in importance. To limit the software impact, the RapidIO standard retained many of the usage paradigms previously supported in bus-based protocols such as address-based reads and writes, messaging, and doorbell interrupts. These paradigms are the base upon which RapidIO works with other interconnects. By adopting a clear-cut destination- based transport model, RapidIO reduced switch gate count and die size by mini- mizing the header fields that must change as packets pass through a switch. This results in reduced implementation cost and lower overall complexity. With most of theFor protocol implemented Single Single Print Only Print O nly in hardware, software drivers are far simpler than a typical Ethernet TCP/IP stack and can depend on the existence of standardized services.

The RapidIO specification is a single uni- form protocol with limited options and consistent protocol layering; PCI is easily translated using RapidIO Load/Store operations, which by design are matched one to one with PCI bus and PCI Express operations. RapidIO adds value by its hier- archical nature and was designed from the beginning to provide robust and reliable data delivery. To handle Ethernet packets, RapidIO has developed an encapsulation protocol to take advantage of the efficiency and low, consistent latency when transporting Ethernet over RapidIO. A significant performance improvement can be made to the delivery of Ethernet across the fabric using RapidIO. Members of the RapidIO software working groups are working on standard usage models for solidifying the complementary roles of PCI Express, RapidIO, and Ethernet in next-generation systems. RSC# 21 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc

RSC# 23 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. Data plane enhancements offer carrier applications like triple play, storage, signal Tom Cox is the grade data fabric performance driven processing, and video have made RapidIO executive director by the needs of our OEM members. The the number one choice of designers in the for the RapidIO goal of these features is to take advan- embedded market. Trade Association tage of backplane applications that have where he is high demands for efficiency and robust RapidIO – A solid, open responsible for data delivery. The RapidIO Trade Asso- technology the association’s ciation is developing a new Data Stream- RapidIO is a strong and evolving future direction, ing Packet Format with the addition of specification – a world-class ecosystem working with the Virtual Channels (VCs) to the serial of embedded suppliers, interworking steering committee, the technical physical layer, new Endpoint Flow Con- capabilities with other interconnects working group, the marketing work- trol Arbitration, new Traffic Manage- and tested interoperability. The RapidIO ing group, and other groups within the ment Spec, and Virtual Output Queue Trade Association is proud of the fact association to lead RapidIO technology (VoQ). These additional enhancements that RapidIO is and will continue to be development and market penetration. to the specification are currently under driven by the embedded industry, for He has nearly 30 years of experience member ballot review and are expected the embedded industry. We are open in engineering, marketing, and to be released at the end of 2006. for business with products shipping to strategy, focusing on interconnects OEMs who wish to test, evaluate, and and standards. RapidIO has found its way into hundreds design their next several generations of systems and labs around the world. of equipment. RapidIO is, above all, an To learn more, contact Tom at: RapidIO base architecture’s design open standard: open for participation activity and systems deployment have and input from vendors and OEMs and RapidIO Trade Association exploded in the past year. The availabil- open technology in the truest sense of 3925 W. Braker Lane, Suite 325 ity of a broad base of semiconductors, the words. Austin, TX 78759 boards for VME and AdvancedTCA, and 613-271-0945 software combined with exciting new [email protected] www.RapidIO.org

For Single Single Print Only Print O nly

RSC# 24 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc

RSC# 25 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. Core of next-generation base station architectures utilize Serial RapidIO switches to interconnect multiple DSPs

By Bill Beane and Manish N. Patel

Serial RapidIO’s highly tuned support Baseband Processing Board for DSP clusters allows equipment designers to develop very flexible TCI6482 TCI6482 TCI6482 TCI6482 DSP with Serial DSP with Serial DSP with Serial DSP with Serial and scalable architectures in a cost- RapidIO RapidIO RapidIO RapidIO efficient manner. With Serial RapidIO, for example, a base station designer can build a DSP-intensive system for Host macro cell applications. This allows Pre-Processing Switch (System Control) the rapid deployment of new tech- 70K2000 nology to support wide areas of coverage and reuse of the original TCI6482 TCI6482 TCI6482 TCI6482 design in scaled-down solutions for DSP with Serial DSP with Serial DSP with Serial DSP with Serial RapidIO RapidIO RapidIO RapidIO micro- or pico-based environments (Backplane) I/F Board Network To that deliver the desired density level RapidIO Link (Chip-to-Chip) without undue cost. RapidIO Link (Backplane)

Figure 1 depicts the DSP-centric archi- Figure 1 tecture of a potential baseband card in a system that’s trying to support a flexibility in assigning the functional All of the components needed to im- combination of technologies, such as partitioning of key application tasks plement such an optimized baseband UMTS and CDMA2000. Such a card among the various processing end- solution are now readily available in would likely support both transmit and points. Traffic and processing power the Serial RapidIO ecosystem, along receive operations. It would need to can also be shifted from one device with appropriate test/analyzer and support a wide range of mathematical to another at runtime since the archi- software solutions to permit efficient operations or algorithms to include tecture is not tightly coupled with system development. Such critical channelizing, spreading, and modu- algorithms anymore. The architecture devices as microprocessors and DSPs lation in the transmitFor side and rake Singlereadily supports scalability asSingle well, arePrint available from major industry iconsOnly Print O nly receiving, channel estimation, and facilitating the process of increasing or such as Freescale Semiconductor and coherent detection on the receive side. reducing the number of endpoints as Texas Instruments, and Altera and Typically, such a baseband card has needed to accommodate specific appli- Xilinx support the FPGA solutions. The a cluster of DSPs supported by hard- cation performance and cost require- necessary switch fabric solutions are ware accelerator blocks that provide ments. For example, the number of also available from a number of ven- additional Chip-Rate Processing (CRP) CRPs and DSPs can be changed easily dors, including IDT, PMC-Sierra, and support, whether as standard solu- to adapt the same design for pico to Tundra Semiconductor. tions or in the form of FPGAs or ASICs. macro base stations. The number of DSPs utilized depends Bill Beane is senior product upon the processing requirements of It is easy to see how such a robust manager of FCM Division at the baseband card. A Serial RapidIO- hardware implementation can then IDT, Inc. Manish N. Patel is product enabled DSP can perform various serve as a common platform to support manager of Wireless Infrastructure WCDMA functions, including chip rate a combination of technologies and/or a at Texas Instruments. Both are and symbol rate processing. As the range of application requirements. This actively involved in the RapidIO numbers of users or antenna streams modularity and ease of reuse is a huge Trade Association as well as their are increased, additional DSPs can achievement, giving board developers respective companies’ RapidIO easily be added over the RapidIO inter- the vital ability to amortize the cost of development. face to provide load balance. research, development, and production across a broad range of systems, Bill can be reached at A Serial RapidIO-based switch archi- reducing the expense of deploying the [email protected]. Manish can tecture is highly flexible and scalable. new technology even as they greatly be reached at [email protected]. It provides designers a wide range of increase operating capabilities.

In fall 2003, Crystal Cube Consulting on the software infrastructure that (CCC) projected in a report on bus wars operates over it. It can be implemented that Advanced Switching Interconnect with relatively few transistors, and (ASI) would not be able to roll out their offers low operation latency and ASI high-speed bus architecture until high bandwidths. High-performance early 2006 and that by then RapidIO embedded equipment often contains would have a commanding lead. Well, a separate control plane and data- we have seen not only that come to forwarding plane. The data-forwarding pass, but also recently Intel and the plane is responsible for moving data ASI-SIG plan for a rollout has been through the system while the control postponed for the foreseeable future. plane manages the data movement. This recent development is, of course, RapidIO provides all of the necessary very good news for the RapidIO attributes to be useful in the control Trade Association and for RapidIO’s plane. RapidIO, in some applications, future support of embedded system may also be useful as the basis for data- applications. forwarding plane implementations.

Being able to decide on an ideal High-performance embedded systems communication fabric for connecting are typically composed of DSP farms, various components within a system collection-integrated processors, is a very critical decision system ASICs, and FPGAs tightly coupled designers must make. Not unlike together. These integrated processors the telecommunications industry are often quite specialized for each task. has done for years using proprietary For example, network processors are solutions, much effort was invested in specially designed to process packets. research and development of in-house Communications processors are de- communication fabrics that used signed to convert communications proprietary communication protocols. streams from one protocol to another The fabrics in question were always (for example, from Ethernet to ATM). cost prohibitive and used bridging DSPs perform tasks such as voice devices that would convert standard compression/decompression and echo protocols to those supported by the cancellation. fabric, adding toFor the overall cost of Single Single Print Only Print O nly building the system. Embedded systems require low latency across the switch fabric and endpoint At the other end of the spectrum, components; they require neither standard interconnect technologies the cache coherency capability nor have been continually adding salient PCI software transparency. RapidIO features. A great deal of this kind of is well suited for high-performance activity can be tied directly to market embedded applications within pressures to deliver scalable, reliable, embedded systems. All major DSP and high-performance interconnects vendors have committed to RapidIO that can support applications such as the interconnect technology in as IPTV and VoIP. Consequently, and their embedded systems. While this out of necessity, companies are now doesn’t exclude their consideration slowly moving toward adopting for advanced switching, which has standard technologies as their system been delayed indefinitely, we believe interconnects of choice. RapidIO is one RapidIO has a strong lead and that such emerging standard that provides the momentum will result in capturing high-performance interconnect for higher market share in embedded chip-to-chip, board-to-board, and systems applications. RSC# 27 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc chassis-to-chassis communications. Ernie Bergstrom founded Developed as an open standard, Crystal Cube Consulting in 2002 to RapidIO is designed to address the produce market research reports needs of present and future high- on a wide spectrum of topics that performance embedded systems. affect tomorrow’s digital future. He In embedded system applications, can be reached at 509-375-0406 or RapidIO has limited to no impact [email protected].

Mobile cellular communication: continues to advance, a new world of opportunities will open up, creating not just for people greater connectivity across the planet. Currently, the wireless modules industry can be generally categorized into three main market segments: automotive, con- By Peter Fowler sumer, and M2M. Examining each of the segments will help determine where the industry is headed and what possibilities Mobile phones have quickly become a normal part of everyday life. A new lay ahead. growth area, however, has begun attracting the attention of analysts and enterprises. Peter describes how mobile communications between machines via Wireless systems progress in-car In the past, in-car systems were oriented wireless modules opens numerous possibilities for greater connectivity. strictly toward the vehicle user. However, today’s automotive sector is a focal point for mobile M2M technology as the majority of automobiles are already equipped So small, yet so advanced all kinds to communicate easily, regard- with mobile communications technology. It is estimated that 6.5 billion people less of distance. Each module is a PCB Automobile multimedia and telematic populate this world, and of those billions, fully equipped to convert everything into systems provide an entirely new set of millions currently use cellular communi- networked objects via mobile telephony, possibilities centered on increased infor- cation devices. In fact, person-to-person meaning that just about anything can talk mation, entertainment, and safety. In fact, mobile telecommunication is one of the to anything else. The possibilities are recent networking advancements within a biggest technological breakthroughs of seemingly endless. vehicle’s electronic systems have made it recent years. possible for auto mechanics to carry out Consider a few of the applications cur- remote diagnostics on an automobile. Another groundbreaking technology, rently in use in the $4.3 billion industry: mobile communication between machines, Currently, the available modular variants is also beginning to gain momentum. The n Mobile M2M applications can make up the major components of car ability to transform virtually anything provide life-saving connections communication systems, providing into a networked object using mobile to physicians, allowing patients information, communication, and driver radio gives Machine-to-Machine (M2M) requiring continuous monitoring to no assistance. They synthesize radio and communication technology boundless longer be confined to a clinic audio systems with hands-free telephony application potential.For At the highly inno - Singlen Global System for Mobile (GSM)Single andPrint enable navigation using voice outputOnly Print O nly vative heart of this mobile send-and- communications systems allow and visual display, known as dynamic off- receive capability is a technology called alarm systems to report intrusions board navigation. wireless modules. or hazardous incidents quickly and safely, and allow household The system can also receive a constant Forrester Research predicts this market appliances to be controlled remotely flow of up-to-date information on the segment will be “the largest growth n Global Positioning System (GPS) traffic situation via the Internet, permit- market for the next 5 to 20 years.” Look- controlled onboard navigation systems ting all voice and telematic services avail- ing ahead to 2020, Forrester predicts that help drivers find their way and allow able in a vehicle to access information machine sessions will outnumber person fleet managers to track the location of stored on the Subscriber Identity Module sessions by a factor of 30, and for good each truck in their fleet (SIM) card of a cell phone wirelessly reason – 50 billion machines n Miniaturized mobile technol- via Bluetooth. The driver of the vehicle around the globe have the ogy is at work in emergency doesn’t even have to take the phone out capability to use mobile com- call boxes, parking meters, of his or her pocket. munication technology. and notebook PCs n Wireless modules in home The automotive market is beginning Weighing just a few grams alarm systems inform to grow rapidly. According to a Frost & and measuring approximately residents, wherever they might Sullivan study published in 2005, turn- half the size of a business be, about the status over relating to in-car infotainment tech- card, wireless modules such of their house nologies sold in the United States rose as Siemens’ AC75 Wireless n Modules even permit remote from $584,000 in 2001 to $2.08 million Module (Figure 1) form the diagnosis of elevators and car in 2004, a growth of 356 percent. More- most innovative segment wash systems, as well as remote over, Frost & Sullivan predict “Increasing of mobile transmission reading of meteorological consumer pull, higher take rates from and reception technology. stations and electric meters. automakers, and availability of value- These modern, high-tech added infotainment systems at declining components allow objects, Modules appear almost everywhere prices are expected to drive the rapid devices, and applications of Figure 1 these days. As the technology growth of this market.”

28 / November 2006 Embedded Computing Design ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. In the future, in-car systems could also n Connectivity – plug-ins for wireless offer the following: communication via a wide variety of devices n Stolen vehicle tracking n Destination searches and navigation The strongest sector for business to selected locations such as ATMs, processes airports, and flower shops M2M technology via wireless modules n Remote diagnosis by repair shops currently enjoys the limelight when it n Real-time reports including breaking comes to being the favorite wireless news, business and sports news, and technology for streamlining business films showing at a local theater processes. These customizable modules n Automatic SOS call with location are helping businesses become more effi- notification when an airbag is cient and cost effective. Two core fields activated characterize the field of M2M communi- n Internet services and office cations: telematic systems and telemetry. applications including e-mail, SMS text messages, wireless application Telematic systems combine telecommu- protocol, and music downloads nications and computing, providing data n Up-to-date, dynamic traffic informa- communication between networked sys- tion enabling smart route selection tems that are usually mobile in nature. As n Videos and games on demand for a consequence of employing telematic front and backseat passengers systems, companies profit from being present at locations critical to their busi- Constant connections for ness, resulting in more efficient work and consumers greater productivity. Some modules com- Itronix recently transformed a laptop note- bine GSM/GPRS and GPS technologies, book into an all-in-one communication enabling users to keep track of where device using EDGE technology to offer things are without interruption. Such a fax, text messaging, e-mail, remote down- tracking module is especially valuable in loading, wireless telephony, and Internet areas such as fleet management, vehicle access. Panasonic has provided similar tracking, route navigation, emergency call capabilities with the Toughbook series response, and location-based services. primarily used in heavy-duty industries like construction. For example, a wireless module can help make transporting valuable goods safer Examples such as Itronix and Panasonic by transmitting data about the current show how General Packet Radio Service location of cargo to the owner and freight (GPRS), EDGE, and other 3G/UTMS transporter in real time. Additional tele- wireless modules can be utilized for matic deployment options include: personal, work, private, and leisure use, and provideFor constant connections. Singlen Fleet management and convoy Single Print Only Print O nly Through these wireless modules, hand- systems monitor the shipment of held devices offer mobile computing and goods for truck fleets, ships, and trains mobile multimedia. n A taxi locator tracks the location of a cab driver at any given time These technologies are prevalent through- n Car rental services can locate a rental out the global consumer market. For car wherever it may be example, in Malaysia a wireless PDA n Courier services follow the with an added GPS locating function pro- transportation of valuable goods vides users with precise information on their location and route whether they are On the other hand, using telemetry – or on foot or in a car. Stockbrokers in China the remote measurement and reporting and Taiwan use wireless handheld PCs to of information to a systems designer or keep abreast of market developments. operator – monitoring objects, systems, and devices is easy regardless of loca- The possibilities for consumer use tion. Valuable telemetry usage scenarios continue to grow, too. For example, addi- include: tional consumer applications include: n Car wash systems allow remote n Telephony – mobile and smart phones diagnosis of system productivity and RSC# 29 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc using GSM and GPRS functionality stock supplies n Mobile office – PDAs, organizers, and n Electric, gas, and water meters can be laptops using wireless data access monitored in real time from a remote n Personal security systems – mobile location and provide an up-to-date communications devices for children, accounting of consumption levels elderly people, and the disabled with n Elevators can be monitored for a locating function when used for maintenance and emergency call emergency calls response

n Handheld scanners for parcel services maintain current delivery/pickup details and save reporting resources n Home alarm systems and other security systems enable residents to monitor their home from anywhere in the world n Medical equipment automatically transmits patient data n Portable credit card terminals give restaurant patrons the opportunity to process payments without handing over their credit card n Traffic measurement modules monitor traffic flow and provide best route planning n Vending machines can monitor stock levels, provide automatic maintenance requests, and transmit cashless payments n Weather stations are equipped with the capability to read measurements from a remote location

Many mobile M2M applications are already in place, but only on a small scale. As these applications become more prevalent, the technology will continue to expand. And while some people harbor skepticism toward new technologies, widespread adoption of wireless M2M modules can help bring about the same thing many other new technologies aim to accomplish: further improvement in the general quality of life.

Peter Fowler is For Single Single PrintVP of the Wireless Only Print O nly Modules Division of Siemens Commu- nications, Inc. He launched Siemens’ Wireless Modules expansion to North America and currently runs this business unit, which was “Global Region of the Year” for fiscal year 2006. Peter has 17 years of high-tech sales experience including overseeing cellular data products distribution for the Americas Region of Sierra Wireless and senior sales positions at Harris/3M and Panasonic. He holds a BS in Business Administration from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington.

To learn more, contact Peter at: Siemens, Energy and Automation Wireless Modules 22010 S.E. 51st Street Issaquah, WA 98029 425-507-4254 [email protected] RSC# 30 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc www. siemens.com

RSC# 31 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc

The rise of Linux for the handset

By Paxton Cooper

The ability to address a variety of customer needs by making small modifications or extensions to a common platform can reduce many challenges for handset manufacturers. Because programming and customizing the Linux platform is easy, handset manufacturers can quickly introduce new models with the latest technology and adopt the most up-to-date market trends. Open source, widely adaptable Linux has proven itself a vital tool in the process.

oday’s handset manufacturers face several directly related such as Open Source Development Labs (OSDL), Consumer challenges. They must differentiate their devices in an Electronics Linux Forum (CELF), and Linux Phone Standards Tincreasingly crowded market and respond to their key cus- Forum (LiPS) have launched initiatives seeking to improve tomers, the mobile operators, who are clamoring for increased adoption of mobile Linux on a global basis. Individual com- subscriber revenue through innovative new mobile data services. panies have also launched initiatives to improve mobile Linux adoption. For instance, MontaVista Software has brought its These applications typically result in a significant increase of Mobilinux to market (Figure 1) for mobile and wireless devices, software and multimedia complexity on the device. Porting, test- which delivers an open and flexible operating system enabling ing, and maintaining these applications across multiple operator differentiated and cost-effective phone designs. environments has become more difficult and costly because of diversity in the operating system platforms most manufacturers Open source Linux to the rescue currently support. Bill-of-materials cost pressures also present With Linux, manufacturers see the opportunity to directly a formidable challenge. In addition, increased competition and influence their software platform and achieve the degree of mass market commoditization have created an environment of control they believe is necessary to continue business growth at declining margins and average selling prices for all of the major industry pace. In many cases, vendors are finding their existing manufacturers. Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) platforms are holding them back and driving significant costs into the bottom line. To address these challenges, top tier handset manufacturers Linux provides manufacturers with a malleable, modern, open are beginning to embrace Linux. In fact, telecommunications platform that can be tailored to meet the advanced require- heavyweights NTTFor DoCoMo, Vodafone, Motorola,Single Samsung, ments of mobileSingle operators Print while simultaneously enabling a highOnly Print O nly NEC, and Panasonic recently announced they are planning to degree of customization. Traditional RTOSs that power most of collaborate on a Linux platform for handsets – the most signifi- the handsets in the market today are not capable of addressing cant affirmation to date of Linux as a viable platform for next- advanced multimedia requirements because they were not generation mobile phones. Various independent organizations designed for that purpose. Other higher-powered, branded

Figure 1

32 / November 2006 Embedded Computing Design ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. proprietary platforms such as Symbian and Microsoft offer little or no ability to drive differentiation.

Because any one vendor does not control Linux and developers The rise of Linux for have access to all source code, device manufacturers retain full control over their platform architecture and development schedules. This approach also provides manufacturers with greater the handset control over the phone’s presentation and functionality enabling the creation of truly differentiated products.

Linux and hardware – an early partnership An added intrinsic benefit is that Linux has become a critical requirement for bringing new hardware to market. Because Linux usage is so broad within the consumer electronics market, silicon manufacturers have trended toward bringing their new designs up first on Linux. Many of the popular chipsets that manufacturers build their new handset designs on were initially brought up with driver designs on Linux.

Domination in product portfolios Unlike competing mobile operating systems manufacturers, handset manufacturers are leveraging Linux as a common platform across a broad percentage of their portfolio. Because it’s easy to program to and customize the Linux platform, handset manufacturers can quickly spin out new models with the latest technology and address the latest market trends. For example, Motorola has stated on multiple occasions they expect Linux to be used across the majority of their portfolio, with other operating systems being used primarily in point devices. NTT DoCoMo and suppliers NEC and Panasonic have announced similar positions. Most recently, Panasonic announced intentions to discontinue development of second-generation GSM devices and focus exclusively on 3G Linux-based handsets. Today, MontaVista Linux is running in more than 25 million phones developed by Motorola, NEC, and Panasonic.

Meeting today’s market head-on Given today’s highly fragmented market requirements, the ability to address a variety of customer needs by making small modifications or extensions to a common platform can reduce many challenges for handsetFor manufacturers. Open source,Single widely adaptable Single Print Only Print O nly Linux has demonstrated its importance in this market.

Paxton Cooper is the director of product marketing for MontaVista Software where he is responsible for driving mobile phone product strategy, marketing programs, and strategic partner collaboration with ISVs, mobile operators, handset vendors, and semiconductor vendors. Paxton has more than 10 years of experience in software product marketing across the mobile, wireless, enterprise, and consumer markets. Before joining MontaVista, he was a group manager at Sun Microsystems and was a part of the Consumer and Mobile Systems group, where he developed Java (J2ME) and Telecommunications Service Delivery Platform solution strategies. He holds a BS in Computer Systems Engineering from Stanford University.

For more information, contact Paxton at:

MontaVista Software, Inc. 2929 Patrick Henry Drive Santa Clara, CA 95054 408-472-7919 [email protected] www.mvista.com RSC# 33 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc

Why memory matters:

the future of the mobile handset By Francois Kaplan

Mobile phone users increasingly need more memory to store all the data they accumulate. Information from contacts to music to photos all take up vast amounts of memory. Francois explores a few potentially favorable options depending on specific memory usage and describes what to expect in the near future.

he mobile industry has undergone a of all mobile handsets will feature em- By the end of 2006, high-density SIM number of momentous changes in bedded NAND flash memory solutions cards will have up to 1 GB supporting Tthe past five years and now repre- by 2010[3]. multimedia content, new services, and sents one of the key frontiers in the battle the ability for consumers to take their data for the consumer’s pocketbook. While the industry concurs that more with them from one phone to another. high-density memory is needed, con- This type of memory benefits both MNOs Perhaps one of the most important trends fusion as to the type of flash memory and users. MNOs can tap into multimedia shaping this market has been the advent required abounds. Should it be embed- revenues through their ownership of SIM of convergence in devices, services, and ded into the phone, offered in the form cards and ensure users will have enough networks. Mobile Network Operators of a memory card, or as part of a secure, storage to effectively use the multimedia (MNOs) have made huge investments high-density Subscriber Identity Module services. Users can choose the content, in 3G and 3.5G networks to build out (SIM) card? services, and payment schemes that suit high-speed data capabilities. Recently a them best; for instance, subscriptions or number of the world’s largest network Memory cards: single-time usage fees. operators including Vodafone, Orange, the user-centric philosophy Sprint Nextel, and China Mobile Commu- The memory card philosophy is both user Embedded memory: nications have come together to establish centric and flexible. It recognizes that the out-of-the-box philosophy the Next Generation Mobile Networks user memory requirements differ greatly, Embedded memory enables handset Initiative to promote guidelines for future depending on the type and amount of data vendors to guarantee that a defined mobile technologies. they choose to store on their handsets. amount of storage will be integrated For SingleBased on this premise, it enables usersSingle to intoPrint the device and always be availOnly- Print O nly Handset manufacturers have responded purchase exactly the amount of memory able, enabling them to differentiate their by introducing a new generation of they need when they buy their handsets, product from the competition. handheld devices that offer consumers a rather than letting handset manufacturers variety of multimedia applications includ- make this decision for them. Unlike the DSC market, handsets can func- ing cameras, music, and video players – a tion perfectly well with a minimal amount trend that will only grow with future gen- This approach started in the mid ’90s with of embedded memory to enable their main erations of handsets. Recent research[1] the evolution of Digital Still Cameras purpose: voice communication and SMS indicates there will be more than 900 mil- (DSCs). Flash memory at that time was messaging. However, the new generation lion mobile handsets in the market by very expensive, as much as a few dollars for of handsets offers much more than voice. 2009. Of this number, more than 700 mil- a single megabyte. These high costs drove Users who purchase handsets with fea- lion will feature cameras, more than the DSC industry to provide only card slots tures such as music playback capabilities 600 million will include music players, with no embedded memory, leaving it up and built-in cameras with high-resolution and 100 million will have integrated TV to the user’s discretion – and pocket – as to and video/photo capabilities cannot bene- capabilities. This trend is creating greater how much memory to purchase. fit from these features without sufficient competition between handset and con- memory. OEMs purposely offer added sumer electronics manufacturers as they High-density SIM card: functionality together with more embedded strive to offer consumers the ultimate the MNO-centric philosophy memory to set their offerings apart and, by mobile entertainment experience. Most traditional SIM cards have 64 KB doing so encourage users to upgrade their or less of available memory to store the phones. MNOs also benefit from these One of the primary beneficiaries of this user’s profiles, a limited list of contacts, multimedia-ready handsets that enable demand for greater functionality and new the call register, and a limited number users to immediately consume data ser- applications has been the storage industry of messages. High-density SIM cards, a vices, thereby justifying the expense of the and, in particular, flash memory solutions new category msystems created with the 3G networks they have funded. manufacturers. In fact, Gartner projects MegaSIM cards, are a new paradigm in total NAND shipments will reach more the SIM card industry. They combine For example, music phones that incorpor- than 9.4 trillion megabytes by 2010[2]. both high-density storage and SIM card ate media players create an instant market iSuppli also indicates more than 95 percent security capabilities. for high-density storage. Entry-level

34 / November 2006 Embedded Computing Design ©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. [Second-generation EFD] solutions already offer mobile Why memory matters: handset manufacturers up to 2 GB of storage with the the future of the prospect of doubling this in the next year.

phones in this market often have 64 MB the key selling seasons, primarily mobile handset of memory, which provides about one the fourth quarter of every year. The hour’s worth of music and thus limited resulting effect creates an uneven value to consumers. However, a phone demand for flash throughout the year, that has 1 GB of memory offers users up to which generates a complex supply/ 17 hours of music playback and thus a demand relationship between handset greater value. A similar scenario also manufacturers and flash fabs. exists for high-end phones featuring n Prices on the latest flash technology camera, video, and TV capabilities. are falling, and densities are growing so fast that the need for handset manu- The first NAND-based embedded memory facturers to incorporate the latest flash in a handset was a 16 MB Embedded technology into the design life cycle Flash Drive (EFD) used in smart phones has become critical. However, due to as early as 2001. Today, almost all NAND the long design cycle and the fact that vendors are offering an EFD solution that the latest NAND requires a new flash combines the controller and flash media management implementation, inte- in the same chip; flash management soft- grating the latest flash solutions into ware is also provided. Second-generation new products can be difficult. EFDs embed the flash management soft- n As the fabs develop new processes and ware inside the controller to simplify migrate to Multi-Level Cell (MLC) integration. These solutions already offer technology to maximize capacity on a mobile handset manufacturers up to 2 GB single wafer, the performance, reliabil- of storage with the prospect of doubling ity, and usability of flash memory can this in the next year. Figure 1 compares be dramatically reduced. As a result, first- and second-generation EFDs. increasing error rates have demanded advanced EDC/ECC to check for and Key challenges to overcome correct memory errors. The rapid Moving forward, device manufacturers introduction of new flash technology face a number of key challenges that every year makes choosing the correct could potentially affect their long-term EDC/ECC a moving target for chip- success. These include: set vendors. Below the target, flash cannot be supported; above the target, n The availabilityFor of NAND flash, Singlethe solution becomes expensive Singleand Print Only Print O nly which the fabs control, influences new loses competitiveness. This explains handset design and development. This why most chipset vendors prefer to becomes an especially important issue support only Single-Level Cell (SLC) as handset manufacturers attempt to NAND and why chipsets do not really coincide new device launch dates with support MLC NAND.

Embedded Flash Drive Ingredients Flash Flash HOST Mgmt. SW Controller Flash

Solving NAND reliability issues EFD First Generation

Flash HOST Flash Flash Mgmt. SW Controller

RSC# 35 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc Solving software complexity issues EFD Second Generation

Flash HOST Flash Mgmt. SW Controller Flash

Figure 1

©2006 OpenSystems Publishing. Not for distribution. flash memory into new devices. It also greater flexibility and choice they provide creates a relatively simple process to the end user, they have an historical con- upgrade the memory without having to nection and behavior patterns thanks to change the host software, which takes the DSC market, which has also affected time and resources. the adoption of removable cards in the mobile space. A self-contained storage solution helps make transparently utilizing the latest, However, current market projections cost-effective, raw NAND flash from indicate embedded flash memory will be multiple sources possible. Multisourced a driving force for the mobile market in n The scenario is also further compli- embedded flash drives can use raw flash the next five years. To meet this potential, cated by the fact that the lack of a from various suppliers such as Toshiba it will be imperative for flash providers to MLC NAND standard undermines and Hynix, which helps reduce supply- work closely with chipset designers and compatibility between different chain risks and optimize costs. handset manufacturers to address these vendors and generations of flash challenges. Products such as msystems’ technology. As a result, each MLC What drives the mobile market mDOC H3 are part of a new generation NAND solution requires specific flash As convergence continues to take hold in of EFDs specifically designed to enable management, making migration from the mobile arena, the trend toward models convergence and promote the develop- one solution or source to the next that require higher-density flash solutions ment of new services and devices. There’s difficult for handset manufacturers. will catch on. Research and consumer no doubt that mobile device and memory usage patterns also point to the fact that solutions will have a pivotal role in driv- What’s the solution? demand for greater functionality and a ing convergence. These challenges have prompted many richer multimedia experience are help- chipset designers to prefer working with ing drive this market. As a result, hand- Francois Kaplan smart storage, which has helped drive the set manufacturers must find new ways to is associate vice development of second-generation EFD address many of the challenges, includ- president of prod- solutions. The biggest advancement has ing supply, cost, and material degradation uct marketing for been the integration of the flash man- and rationalizing product development msystems’ Mobile agement software into the drive to solve life cycles. The situation is only going to Division, where software complexity issues. become more complex as new services he manages world- and networks are made available. wide product Embedding flash management software marketing activities into the device helps neutralize the chal- A significant push by the major MNOs for customers and partners. Previously, lenge of managing raw NAND, tradition- could also result in a share of the market he served as general manager of ally a very unpredictable material to work migrating toward high-density SIM cards. msystems Europe, responsible for with because it changes and transitions This will enable them to gain access to analyzing Tier 1 customers’ needs and from one generation to the next. In the future multimedia revenues while also concerns to help drive product design. mDOC H3 example, msystems’ TrueFFS ensuring they are more closely linked to His activities were instrumental in flash management software is embedded the consumer. Announcements of this mobile OEMs’ first implementation of in the device. TrueFFS can transparently strategy are occurring as Orange, a NAND-based solutions. Francois has address these complexitiesFor and help speed SingleFrance Telecom mobile phone provider,Single heldPrint numerous management, sales, Only Print O nly up the software qualification process. is partnering with LG and msystems to marketing, and engineering positions Figure 2 shows how TrueFFS moves from introduce the first generation of high- for world-class companies, including host to device in mDOC H3 architecture. density SIM cards in Europe. IBM France. He earned an engineering degree from Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Integrating flash management software Based on their past success, removable a top school in France. into the drive enables handset manufac- cards will also remain a popular solution turers to simply plug-and-play the latest for the foreseeable future. Beyond the Editor’s note: SanDisk completed acquisition of msystems after this article Legacy mDOC architecture went to press. To learn more, contact Francois at: Flash HOST Flash Controller msystems 8 Atir Yeda Street Kfar Saba 44425 Israel +972-9-7632606 [email protected] www.m-systems.com

mDOC H3 architecture References [1] iSuppli, Data Flash Market Tracker, Q2 2006 (March 2006) Flash HOST Flash [2] Gartner, Forecast: Memory, Worldwide, Controller 2005-2010, (1Q06 Update) [3] iSuppli, Data Flash Market Tracker, Figure 2 Q2 2006 (March 2006)

Fuel cell powers laptop for Sixth-generation Windows two days Embedded CE 6.0 Electronic devices never seem to have enough It’s hard to imagine it has been 10 years since battery power these days. Venturing into a Microsoft announced an embedded Windows remote location is difficult when you have to strategy at the Las Vegas COMDEX. It was not clear carry all the batteries needed to meet your at the time what might result from the news and portable electrical needs. The UltraCell XX25 everyone was skeptical of Microsoft, but today the fuel cell makes an ideal portable power source strategy is well established and many embedded for applications with extended time away from applications now use either Embedded Windows or AC/DC power. It can be used in a variety of Windows CE. The latest announcement regarding applications: field rechargers, direct power to Windows CE 6.0 further establishes Microsoft’s portable devices, soldier power, extended run- position in the embedded computing industry. time for ruggedized laptops, or sensor networks. The XX25 can run a ruggedized laptop computer for In conjunction with the 10-year anniversary of Windows Embedded, more than two working days. 100 percent of the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 kernel is now available through the Microsoft Shared Source program. By providing access to The UltraCell XX25 is powered by a unique, proprietary reformed certain parts of the Windows Embedded CE source code such as the file methanol fuel cell technology. In addition, the XX25 can be configured system, device drivers, and other core components, embedded devel- with large volumes of fuel for weeks of runtime in stationary applica- opers can choose the code they need, compile it, and build their own tions such as remote video monitoring. Because its lightweight car- unique operating systems, quickly bringing their devices to market. tridges are hot swappable, the UltraCell micro fuel system can operate indefinitely without any need for electrical recharging as long as fuel Windows Embedded CE 6.0 boasts a reengineered kernel with is available. capabilities such as capacity for 32,000 simultaneous processes and 2 GB of virtual memory address space per process while maintaining UltraCell has designed the XX25 to U.S. military testing specifications, the software’s real-time capabilities. This enables developers to ranging from extreme operating temperatures to severe vibration and incorporate more robust applications into more intelligent, complex shock conditions. The XX25 has been tested in sub-zero and high- devices used on the road, at work, and in the home. temperature environments and has proven its ability to operate while being dropped and shaken. Microsoft www.microsoft.com UltraCell Corporation RSC# 32197 www.ultracellpower.com RSC# 31763 Faster design and secure JESS 7.0 rule engine transaction processing Does your embedded application involve significant decision-making in POS terminals capability? Expert systems based on rules can be more appropriate Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) often have a significant than a compute-intensive algorithm. Rules engines have been around impact on the bill-of-material cost for embedded for many years, yetFor they have not truly established themselvesSingle in designs. CompleteSingle subsystems,Print components, and Only Print O nly embedded applications. However, for many embedded applications, a boards can be replaced with an SoC that has the rules engine is the way to go. Jess 7.0, a rule engine created by Sandia required functionality integrated into the chip. National Laboratories that enables software developers to embed intel- ligence in the form of business rules directly into their Java applications, The Connect One iChipSec CO2128 is a secure IP communication is now available for licensing. controller chip that reduces the cost and speeds the design of new IP-enabled Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminals. The chip also includes many “Programming with rules allows software to express real-world hardware enhancements that ensure high throughput by offloading IP concepts in a natural, expressive way that helps business and IT and network security protocols from the host processor. professionals collaborate in bringing enterprise applications to life,” says Craig Smith, software licensing manager at Sandia. Jess 7.0 The CO2128’s integrated ARM7 core processor, RTOS, security, and includes new tools, improved features, and enhanced performance that networking protocol stack ensure efficient and secure high-speed allows users to manage and control business rules in an enterprise transaction processing. For high-bandwidth applications like video environment. streaming, CO2128’s high-speed parallel interface supports 32 Mbps with UDP/IP hardware acceleration. Data encryption/decryption also Among Jess’ new features is an Integrated Development Environment is accelerated in hardware, which reduces SSL3 transaction processing. (IDE) for rules that increases programmer productivity and enhances The CO2128 includes a 10/100BASE-T Ethernet media access collaboration. The IDE is based on the Eclipse platform and features controller and USB v.2.0 full-speed host and device interfaces, enabling tools for creating, editing, visualizing, monitoring, and debugging rules. the use of the newest Wi-Fi chipsets and other USB peripherals. Sandia offers Jess licenses to commercial, academic, and government institutions. iChipSec can act as a router among LAN, Wi-Fi, and modem platforms, as it includes a network address translation and port- Sandia National Laboratories forwarding functionality. This allows a payment terminal to serve as www.jessrules.com an access point or gateway for other terminals connected to it, helping RSC# 32198 to reduce infrastructure cost and enhance network security. Connect One www.connectone.com RSC# 32199

Editor’s Choice Products are drawn from OSP’s product database and press releases. Vendors may add their new products to our website at www.opensystems-publishing.com/vendors/submissions/np/ and submit press releases at www.opensystems-publishing.com/news/submit. OSP reserves the right to publish products based on editors’ discretion alone, and does not guarantee publication of any product entries.

By Chad Lumsden

Chips and cores: Control: analog aspects of the company’s unique testing extended temperatures Dataforth Corporation approach, including patented SmartMotion technology to emulate motion in a con- Advantech Corporation trolled environment, Real2Real architecture for interoperability testing, and RadioProof enclosures for testing repeatability

Fabrics: PCI Express One Stop Systems Inc.

Website: www.dataforth.com Model: SCM5B accelerometer RSC No: 30395 An isolated and field-configurable acceler- Website: www.advantech.com ometer input module that provides excitation Model: PCM-4386, EPIC SBC RSC No: 30662 to piezoelectric sensors with built-in micro- Phoebus designed 4" CPU board in EPIC form electronic amplifiers, commonly known factor • It is also European Union RoHs com- as ICP or IEPE sensors • Yields high-level pliant • EPIC form factor (115 mm x 165 mm) analog voltage output • Field-configurable • Embedded Celeron M processor onboard through a set of slide switches • Six poles of and support forwww.embedded-computing.com/rsc PC/104-Plus bus • SODIMM signal filtering provide greater than 100 dB socket supports up to 1 GB DDR SDRAM of normal-mode rejection for signal frequen- (optional) • Display combination: CRT + LVDS cies above cutoff frequency • Option to set Website: www.onestopsystems.com display support • Dual 10/100/1000 Mbps PCI constant current source for sensor excita- Model: HIB2-x4 RSC No: 30576 Ethernet interface • Support CompactFlash/ tion to common values of 4 mA or 9 mA with PCIe x4 host interface board for insertion uDOC (optional) • RoHs compliant 24 Vdc compliance voltage • Measures only into a x4, x8, or x16 slot of a host enclosure 2.28" x 2.26" x 0.6" (58 mm x 57 mm x 15 mm) to extend the host bus to an expansion sys- Chips and cores: FPGA • Applications include aircraft and aerospace tem or PCIe device • PCI Express x4 cable R&D, life testing, automotive noise reduction connector on slot cover • Downstream lane TEK Microsystems, Inc. • 1,500 Vrms transformer isolation • ANSI/ active LEDs • Power acceptable LEDs • Lane Website: www.tekmicro.com IEEE C37.90.1 transient protection • Input configuration DIP switches Model: Extreme FFT RSC No: 31215 protection to 240 Vrms continuous • CE com- An advanced IP coreFor that performs 1 million Single Single Print Only Print O nly pliant, CSA and FM approvals pending 4 K point FFTs per second • Preintegrated with Motion control VXS-based products • Used with the Neptune 2 Control Technology Corporation VXS digitizer card, real-time spectral analy- Datacom: WLAN sis can be performed at 2.2 GSps • Runtime Azimuth Systems programmable FFT sizes of 1, 2, and 4 K along Website: www.azimuthsystems.com with a runtime programmable window Model: Wi-Fi Mesh Test RSC No: 30372 The industry’s first commercial solution Computing that automates the performance testing of wireless mesh networks in a controlled lab- iBase Technology oratory environment • Wi-Fi infrastructure Website: www.ibase-i.com.tw manufacturers can ensure maximum product Model: Mini-ITX: MB877 RSC No: 31161 performance and quality, while streamlining Mini-ITX Motherboard based on ATI RS400 their testing • The new Azimuth software is Chipset • Mini-ITX (170 mm x 170 mm) • a suite of scripts that measure six key areas ATI RS400 Chipset, 400/533/800 MHz FSB of mesh network performance: node client Website: www.ctc-control.com • Supports Intel Pentium 4, up to 3.8 GHz capacity, multihop throughput performance, Model: Model 5100 RSC No: 30658 • Built-in VGA, AGP 8X, support CRT, TV- fail-over and smooth roaming performance, Part of the CTC Blue Fusion Family of Web- out • PCI Express Gigabit LAN controller call capacity and voice transmission qual- based controllers combining fully configu- • Two DDR2 sockets support up to 2 GB ity, security performance, and multi Basic rable I/O, motion control, and enterprise • Digital I/O, Serial ATA, one PCI slot, AC’97 Service Set Identifier (BSSID) isolation and connectivity into a single compact package • • Four USB ports, four COM ports security • The software runs on the Azimuth Built-in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet • Supports the W-Series platform and leverages several protocols that put devices on the Web over secure connections including HTTP, SOAP, For more information enter the product’s RSC# at SMTP, RMI, Modbus/TCP, XML, and SQL www.embedded-computing.com/rsc • 32-bit RISC CPU • Intuitive part numbers:

www.embedded-computing.com/rsc based on the modules installed • Real-time Processor: PowerQUICC Mini-ITX form factor at 170 mm x 170 mm of clock • Module status LEDs: visual I/O indi- Freescale Semiconductor dimension, • Liantec Tiny-Bus embedded cators at the connection point • Six module modular expansibility • AGP/PCI/VGA expan- bays accommodate a wide variety of I/O or Website: www.freescale.com sibility • AMD Embedded Geode NX platform motion control modules • COM1 and COM2: Model: Open QUICC Engine RSC No: 30710 • SiS Eagle platform with Mirage VGA Core Connects to virtually any serial device using Customize Freescale microcode that runs on with built-in MEPG-2/1 decoder RS-232 • LAN: 10 Mbps Ethernet • Compact QUICC Engine technology to support a wide design range of industry-standard communications interfaces and protocols • Implement new Wired to enterprise: application-specific functions in microcode EtherNet/IP PENTIUM: Other without having to add ASIC or FPGA devices Real Time Automation BCM Advanced Research to their applications • Turn QUICC Engine tech- Website: www.rtaautomation.com nology-based devices into multicore engines Model: Messenger Gateway RSC No: 30630 • Transform application ideas into software Transfer data to or from PLC registers • optimized for QUICC Engine technology Supports ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix, PLC5E, and SLC5/05 processors Routers/Switches • Designed especially for barcode readers, ACT/Technico weigh scales, and other ASCII devices • Dual ASCII ports support two barcode read- Website: www.acttechnico.com ers, weigh scales, and other ASCII devices Model: 661x Series RSC No: 30392 from a single messenger unit A 3U CompactPCI GbE switch that enables full management via an onboard processor • Nine Ethernet ports including one optical fiber Wireless Website: www.BCMCOM.com channel (SX or LX) • Nine-port 1000BASE-T Quatech Model: IN845GV-LF RSC No: 31149 conduction-cooled version available • Layer 2 Website: www.quatech.com An Intel Pentium 4/Celeron D mPGA 478 bridging capabilities • Nonblocking with full Model: 802.11b/g embedded RSC No: 30588 Socket Micro ATX motherboard with wire performance • 4 K MAC addresses • Embedded 802.11b/g wireless networking 400/533 MHz FSB • Intel 82845GV GMCH + Auto learning and aging • 802.1 Q support for with Ethernet or serial interface • Extended Intel 82801DB ICH4 • 2x 184-pin DDR DIMM 4 K VLANs or port based VLAN • Backpres- operating temperature range (-40 °C to sockets support up to 2 GB PC2700 DDR sure flow control on half-duplex ports and +85 °C) and environmental specifications non-ECC memory • Realtek ALC101 AC’97 pause frame on full duplex • Four QoS traffic • Advanced security: WEP (64-bit and 2.2 Sound Blaster Compatible Audio • Realtek classes, flexible management tools, user- 128-bit), WPA, and 802.1x (LEAP) authenti- RTL8100BL 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet inter- defined built-in test • MAC authentication, cation • Low-power modes • Built-in Web face • 1x ADD/3x PCI/1x CNR (optional) • 2x IEEE802.1X compliant • Plug-and-play, no server enables drop-in LAN and Internet IDE/2x COM/6x USB/1x parallel/1x IrDA port configuration required for basic switching • Power management APM version 1.2 connectivity • Highly integrated 802.11 • Wake On LAN (WOL) and Wake On Ring wireless module with radio, baseband, and (WOR) • 9.6" x 9" • RoHS (lead free) Software: operating system application processor • Configurable serial, Micro Digital, Inc. digital, and analog I/O ports • Integrated RTOS, TCP/IP stack, and CLI • FCC Part 15 Website: www.smxinfo.com Power supply Class B Sub C modular approval • Five-year For SingleModel: SMX.Blaze RTOS RSC No:Single 30632 Print Only Print O nly warranty Martek Power SMX.Blaze provides an integrated solution Website: www.martekpower.com that is small, powerful, and low cost • Ideal Model: AP1200F AC RSC No: 30393 for networked products migrating upward Delivery up to 100 amps at 12 Vdc across the from 8-bit and 16-bit processors, as well as full AC input range of 90-265 Vac in a com- for low- to mid-range, 32-bit embedded sys- pact 1U x 2U format • 1,200 W output, 12 V tems • SMX-Blaze currently supports ARM, out • Universal input • Up to 6,000 W system ColdFire, and x86 processors • Blaze fits power • Power factor correction • High- within 50 KB flash and 10 KB RAM for a density 16 W cubic in • Highly efficient full TCP/IP stack with multitasking • Blaze allows using a slower processor since on- Processor: Geode chip memory is much faster • Blaze makes multitasking easier to apply by provid- IEI Technology USA Corp. ing superior kernel aware debugging and Website: www.usa.ieiworld.com graphical analysis tools • The smx kernel Model: WAFER-LX, 3.5" SBC RSC No: 30645 provides extremely low interrupt latency, 3.5" SBC with AMD Geode LX800 onboard fast task switching, and deferred process- processor CRT, LCD/LVDS, dual LAN, and ing via LSRs • Blaze is compatible with the SATA • CPU: AMD Geode LX-800 processor, tight-timing designs common in low-end 500 MHz FSB • System chipset: AMD CS5536 embedded systems • System memory: 1x 200-pin DDR 333/ 400 MHz SODIMM SDRAM up to 1 GB • Ethernet: 10/100BASE-T dual RTL8100C System boards • I/O interface: 4x USB 2.0, 2x SATA, IDE, Liantec Systems Corporation CFII, PC/104, dual LAN • 18-bit TTL/LVDS Website: www.liantec.com support simultaneous flat panel and CRT Model: ITX-6700 RSC No: 31180 • Low power, fanless • Supports Windows Mini-ITX AMD Embedded Geode NX EmBoard XP/CE/XPe • RoHS compliant with VGA, SATA, GbE, USB, and audio • RSC# 41 @ www.embedded-computing.com/rsc

Advertising/Business Office 30233 Jefferson Avenue St. Clair Shores, MI 48082 Page/RSC# Advertiser Product description Tel: 586-415-6500 n Fax: 586-415-4882 Vice President Marketing & Sales 24 ACCES I/O Products – Analog, Digital, Relay and Serial I/O Products Patrick Hopper [email protected] 37 ADLINK Technology – ETX and ETXexpress Modules Business Manager 21 Advantech Corporation – Stackable SBCs Karen Layman

15 American Arium – Debugging Solutions 2 Annapolis Micro Systems – FPGA Systems Sales Group Dennis Doyle 1302 Axiomtek – EPIC Senior Account Manager 601 EMAC – Turn-Key Solutions [email protected] Tom Varcie 44 Embedded Planet – System Creation Account Manager [email protected] 41 Grid Connect – Ethernet Software Doug Cordier 1202 ICP America – GoPC-Mobile Account Manager [email protected] 9 Intel – Embedded Products Barbara Quinlan 7 Jacyl Technology – PC/104 FPGA Circuit Boards Account Manager [email protected] 33 Kontron – COM products Andrea Stabile Advertising/Marketing Coordinator 5 Micro/sys – CPU Boards [email protected] 23 Microsoft – Windows Embedded Christine Long E-marketing Manager 16 Sealevel Systems – Relio Computing Solutions [email protected] 602 Technobox – PMCs and PIMs 11 TechnoboxFor – Adapters and Tools Single Single PrintRegional Sales Only Print O nly 1301 Technobox – Async I/O Jane Hayward Regional Manager – California 35 Technologic Systems – WiFi Controller [email protected] 1201 TEWS Technologies – Embedded I/O Solutions Phil Arndt Regional Manager – East Coast 31 Themis Computer – SPARC SBCs [email protected] 19 Toronto MicroElectronics – Embedded solutions for harsh environments Richard Ayer Regional Manager – West Coast 25 Toronto MicroElectronics – World’s fastest embedded computer module [email protected]

30 Toronto MicroElectronics – Embedded Computer Solutions International Sales 17 Tri-M Systems – Fanless VIA Eden ESP10K Micro PC Stefan Baginski 29 Tri-M Systems – Power Supplies, PC/104 Modules European Bureau Chief [email protected] 43 Ultimate Solutions – JTAG Target Debugger Dan Aronovic 38 VersaLogic – Embedded Applications Account Manager – Israel [email protected] 27 VMETRO – PCI Express

3 WinSystems – Compact, Reliable, Embedded PCs Reprints and PDFs Call the sales office: 586-415-6500

Advertising/Business Office 30233 Jefferson Avenue St. Clair Shores, MI 48082 Tel: 586-415-6500 n Fax: 586-415-4882 Vice President Marketing & Sales Patrick Hopper [email protected] Business Manager Karen Layman

Sales Group Dennis Doyle Senior Account Manager [email protected] Tom Varcie Account Manager [email protected] Doug Cordier Account Manager [email protected] Barbara Quinlan Account Manager [email protected] Andrea Stabile Advertising/Marketing Coordinator [email protected] Christine Long E-marketing Manager [email protected]

Regional Sales For Single Single Print Only Print O nly Jane Hayward Regional Manager – California [email protected] Phil Arndt Regional Manager – East Coast [email protected] Richard Ayer Regional Manager – West Coast [email protected]

International Sales Stefan Baginski European Bureau Chief [email protected] Dan Aronovic Account Manager – Israel [email protected]

Reprints and PDFs Call the sales office: 586-415-6500