Altera - EP1K50QC208-2N - FPGA for Price-Sensitive Low-Density Designs

EP1K50QC208-2N from Altera is a low-density applications to design sensitive and is now available from Farnell. Embedded high performance, building blocks of RAM dual-port RAM, ROM, or FIFO logic.

Vary from a low density of 576 to 4992 logic elements (ERP) and provide optimum performance and functionality to the effective implementation of low-cost, low density applications.

Pure 64-bit, 66 MHz Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) provides support to an important requirement in communication systems for high performance. Aceex devices have also locked loops (PLL) for clock management, including the Clock Lock function to I / O performance and functionality to improve the system clock Boost Clock multiply in the device Aceex 1K. Aceex 1K devices have also Volt Multi I / O operation, which enables them to communicate with devices operating at 5V, 3.3V and 2.5V, the devices use a low-cost packaging technologies, including Advanced FineLine BGA packages Same Frame the ability to migrate, the company said.

Pocket-size Linux PC offers GPS and GPRS

The AarLogic C10 / 3, a map on a PC running Linux on an area of only 104mm x 63mm, was introduced by Round Solutions. A quad-band GPRS and GPS module SiRF3 are also on board and USB interfaces, RS232 and Ethernet components. An SD card reader allows the expansion without the problem of 4 MB of RAM that comes as standard.

The heart of the PC is two ARM processors, which is responsible for a share, for the GSM component, and other executable applications for embedded Linux. The module processor, including the GSM component, is also available for purchase separately. Despite its small size - about the size of a box of matches - 160-pin offers a wide range of connectivity options. In addition to keyboards, digital cameras and playback devices, as well as Wireless LAN, Bluetooth and GPS units, says the company.

According to Harald Naumann, technical director of the Round Solutions, the new platform is ideal for the extension of self-surveillance and monitoring systems, which are capable of much more than simple transfer of data Because of the Linux Intelligence "-" In combination with a camera and environmental sensors, applications for recognition of complex shapes, for example, can be performed directly on the board. As the geographical coordinates are transmitted wirelessly, the Board of Directors is reserved for mobile use. "

New mainboard satisfies wide range for embedded computing

Based on Intel 945GSE Express chipset, Intel Atom N270 and implemented in 45 nm technology, the LV-67D was introduced earlier by Commell (Taiwan Commate Computer). The Board of Directors is GEMOTORISEERD optimized, so a solid performance per watt cost-effective solutions. The Board of Directors is proposing a solution for the embedded market, such as digital signage, kiosks, POS, thin clients, digital security, residential gateways, commercial and industrial control.

The LV-67D Mini-ITX mother is from 82945GSE Intel Graphic Memory Controller Hub and Intel I / O Controller Hub 7-M, the characteristics of power 32-bit 3D Graphics Processor core based on Intel GMA 950 with DVI or LVDS CRT, HDTV, supports multiple graphic display. The LV-67D older Mini-ITX supports DDR2 SO-DIMM SDRAM up to 2 GB of memory, and provides I / O capabilities, comes with PS / 2 keyboard and mouse, 5 x RS232C and 1 x RS232 / 422/485. Networking is provided by two Intel 82574L Giga LAN.

It also offers Realtek ALC888 HD Audio, 2 x SATA interface for data transfer up to 150 Mb / s, 8 x USB2.0 ports, Compact Flash socket. The Board provides the flexibility, high bandwidth expansion slots with 1 x Mini-PCI, a PCI slot and a small card for PCI Express system configurations and add them to the card upgrade, explains business.

CDMA, UMTS modems gain Linux SDK

Sierra Wireless is shipping a Linux software development kit (SDK) for its 3G wireless modules. The Linux SDK supports its HSPA- and EV-DO Rev-compatible modems, says the company, which also announced it was acquiring embedded wireless vendor Wavecom.

The Sierra Wireless Linux SDK is available to both OEMs and independent software vendors that are developing connection managers for network operators, says the company. The SDK is said to support application development on a wide range of Sierra Wireless adapter products that work with CDMA and UMTS wireless networks, including most recent "AirCard" PC card modems (pictured above), ExpressCard modems (pictured below), "Compass" USB modems, and MCx-class embedded PCI-Express Mini Card modems, such as the MC8792V model shown below. Target applications are said to include portable devices, machine-to-machine (M2M) systems, fixed wireless terminals, vending machines, and fleet management systems, says Sierra Wireless.

The Linux SDK includes a general Application Programming Interface (API), as well as "access to" the Sierra Wireless Command and Status (CnS) API, says Sierra Wireless. The latter includes commands for voice, SMS, and data connections, enabling lower power consumption by comparison with using AT commands, claims the company.

According to a company spokesperson, the Linux SDK has been built, tested, and verified based on Ubuntu- and Debian Sarge-based reference designs. X86 platforms are supported with Ubuntu 8.04, and require 256MB RAM and 3GB of available storage. ARM9 "and other embedded processors" are supported with the Technologic Systems TS-7800 platform, running a Debian Sarge Linux 2.6 distribution, said the Sierra Wireless representative.

The SDK is offered under a "fairly standard" Sierra Wireless license that restricts use to Sierra Wireless products only, and allows for "redistribution with another product that includes the Sierra Wireless product," said the spokesperson. A Linux driver, meanwhile, has already been available as an open source download on kernel.org. Previous Sierra Wireless SDKs have been developed for Windows platforms, including Windows CE and Windows Mobile.

Last week, Vancouver, Canada-based Sierra Wireless announced it had signed an agreement to acquire Paris, France-based Wavecom for 218 million Euros (about $277 million US). Wavecom manufactures embedded wireless technology for M2M applications, strengthening Sierra Wireless's hand in embedded devices while also improving its customer reach in Europe and Asia, says the company.

Stated Trent Punnett, SVP, Marketing and Corporate Development, for Sierra Wireless, "The Linux SDK allows developers integrating Sierra Wireless products into Linux-based systems in a cost-effective way that supports their tight development schedules."

Availability

The Sierra Wireless Linux SDK is available now, free of charge to qualified customers, says the company.

Microsoft releases "critical" patches for XPe devices

Microsoft has released its monthly batch of security updates for Windows XP Embedded (XPe). Announced on Microsoft's Windows Embedded Standard blog, and available now on its Mobile and Embedded Communications Extranet (ECE), the "November 2008 XP Embedded Security Updates" include two fixes for existing devices, both rated "critical."

As in other months, the "critical" fixes are said to repair vulnerabilities that could potentially allow an attacker to take complete control of a computer. Via remote code execution, an attacker could install programs, view, change, or delete data, and create new accounts with full user rights, according to Microsoft.

The first of the two patches is described, using Microsoft's online knowledge base numbering, as KB 938464, resolving "privately reported" vulnerabilities in the Windows GDI (graphics device interface). The vulnerability may have allowed remote code execution if a user viewed a maliciously crafted image file. But, by modifying GDIPLUS.DLL and other Windows files, the patch prevents this.

The second of the two patches is described as KB 956390, which updates the Internet Explorer web browser to repair "five privately reported vulnerabilities and one publicly disclosed vulnerability." Once again, without the fix, remote code execution might be possible, says Microsoft.

These patches might sound familiar to loyal readers, since they were already released as part of Microsoft's October 2008 XP Embedded Security Updates. The October version of the patches, however, merely entered them into XPe's component database, a part of the Target Designer toolkit that's accessed when new operating system images are being built. In contrast, the newly available November version provides the patches for XPe's Desktop QFE Installer (DQI). That apparently means the fixes can now be applied to existing XPe devices.

Further information

More information on the distinction between component database and DQI patches for XPe may be found on Microsoft's website, here. To obtain the November 2008 XP Embedded Security Updates from Microsoft's ECE, go here (prior registration required). (windowsfordevices.com/news)

Kontron - Compact medical panel PC with 10.4-inch SVGA touch display

The highly-compact and cost-optimized 10.4-inch SVGA MediClient Panel PC, for medical equipment OEMs, has been introduced by Kontron.

The MediClient 104 is a fanless medical Panel PC with a durable, lightweight plastic housing that offers IP65 protection and can be tailor-made to suit OEMs' corporate designs. Despite its compact size, the MediClient 104 offers a comprehensive set of interconnects including dual Ethernet (10/100), dual USB 2.0, serial RS232 (opt. RS422/RS485) and an optional CAN bus interface. VESA arm mounting makes the fanless Kontron MediClient 104 the easy-to-integrate medical HMI for a wide spectrum of cost-sensitive OEM medical applications in operating theatres, emergency stations and other infection-sensitive areas that require sharp graphics and intuitive user interfaces in a space-saving, robust and hygienic design.

Scalable up to the Intel Celeron M processor with 1GHz, the cost-optimized MediClient 104 features up to 1024MB of RAM and a Compact Flash socket plus an optional 2.5-inch HDD for data storage. The 800x600, easy-to-read bright (230 cd/m_) TFT touch screen, which is usable with gloves and stylus pens, is resistant to disinfectants and detergents. The plastic housing (ABS UL94V0) is scratch-proof, corrosion resistant and chemical resistant for long life and easy cleaning.

Shock and vibration resistance, thermal stability and compatibility with EN60601-01 are standard features of the MediClient Panel PCs, as is long-term availability of at least 5 years. The fanless cooling concept not only reduces noise but also ensures very high reliability with a MTBF of more than 40,000 hours. The CE, FCC, cULus certified MediClient complies to US:FCC47 CFR PART15, Class A level, EN61000-6-2 and EN55022/A (CISPR22) regulations.

Windows CE.net, Windows XP Embedded and Embedded Linux are available as standard operating systems along with numerous protocols, including http, XML and RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), says the company.

Austriamirosystems - New FlexRay product with embedded bit reshaping

The AS8224 FlexRay Active Star Device, with embedded bit-reshaper, a solution for the most limiting FlexRay system parameter, has been announced by Austriamirosystems.

The new transceiver for in-vehicle networks expands the company's FlexRay product family. The embedded bit-reshaper reduces the asymmetric delay either caused by components in FlexRay networks or introduced by external interferences onto the network. The bit-reshaper design is capable of reshaping single bits in 12.5ns steps (microtick) up to a total amount of 37.5ns (3 microticks) for shortened and lengthened bits. The mechanism performs, besides of the timing reshaping, a clock-deviation compensation between the input and output stream of the device while the BSS (Byte-Start-Sequence) of the FlexRay frame is shortened or lengthened by one microtick. The bit-reshaping function can be set as an option and will be functional if an external clock is connected to the device. Otherwise, the bit-reshaper will be bypassed and the device acts as a standard Active Star without timing reshaping.

"The AS8224 with embedded bit-reshaper enables FlexRay topologies beyond today's applications and allows network topologies with more than one Active Star," said Harald Gall, product manager for in-vehicle networks, Austriamicrosystems. "We do not only design and develop our products within the FlexRay specifications, our target is to understand the FlexRay system in detail and to facilitate improvements for our customers beyond the standard."

The AS8224 with embedded bit-reshaper is an Active Star device according the FlexRay Electrical Physical Layer Specification V2.1 Rev B operating as an active hub for 4 FlexRay network branches, the Communication Controller interface and an Interstar interface. Message forwarding is performed including these 6 communication paths. The optimized Interstar interface in combination with the Signal Handler allows two or more connected AS8224 devices to display a timing behaviour similar to one single device, says the company.

Atmel - ARM-based embedded micros supported Linux kernel

Availability of the latest Linux mainline release for its 400MHz ARM926EJ-S -based AT91SAM9G20 embedded microprocessor, and for other members of the AT91SAM9 family, has been announced by Atmel. The short time interval between product availability and publication in the official Linux kernel is due to the well-established Linux support for AT91SAM9 MPUs, and peripheral re-use across the product family, says the company.

A Linux distribution based on Linux v2.6.27 is available from Atmel's AT91SAM Linux online portal. It includes the complete Linux v2.6.27 kernel, the Linux patch for the AT91SAM9G20-EK, device drivers, pre-built demonstrations and the Angstrom / OpenEmbedded building environment. The AT91SAM Linux portal is a gateway to a wide and growing community that provides Linux self-support for Atmel's entire ARM9-based range of embedded 32-bit microprocessors.

Alfredo Vadillo, Atmel's managing director for ARM microcontrollers, said: "The availability of our development of the latest Linux kernel, for the AT91SAM9 MPUs, demonstrates our commitment to support the strong market demand for Linux on AT91SAM9 product family."

Complementary products and support are available through TimeSys, including an embedded Linux ReadyKit for the entire AT91SAM9 series including the AT91SAM9G20. The ReadyKit comprises a pre-built Linux kernel, device drivers, a GNU-based cross toolchain, a glibc-based root filesystem complete with selected development libraries, 14 days of technical support and access to a wide range of support documentation.

The 400 MHz AT91SAM9G20 features Atmel's market-leading peripheral DMA (direct memory access) and distributed memory architecture that, together with the 6-layer bus matrix, enables multiple simultaneous data transfers between memories, peripherals and external interfaces without consuming CPU clock cycles. The external bus interface (EBI) is clocked at 133 MHz for high-speed transfers to off-chip memories. This architecture gives the device the high internal and external data bandwidth required by many embedded networked applications.

Networking and communications requirements are met by an Ethernet 10/100 Base T MAC, seven USARTs, 12M bps USB Full Speed Dual Host and Device ports, dual SPI, SSC and Two-Wire Interface (TWI). Linux device drivers are available for all these peripherals. Image sensing requirements are met by a fully integrated Image Sensor Interface (ISI).

Vicor
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', BALLOON, true, ABOVE, true)" title="">POWER consumption in full-power operating mode at 400MHz with all peripherals turned on is only 80mW. The AT91SAM9G20 also features four reduced-power modes, including Backup Mode where the main power supply is off and the device power consumption is sufficiently low (9uW) for an extended period of operation under battery supply, says the company.

Tags: Atmel, ARM, Processor, Embedded, Linux

Development kit for Freescale i.MX27 processor

A hardware reference platform for the Freescale i.MX27 processor has been announced by Strategic Test. The Development Kit-5 is supplied with both Linux 2.6 and Microsoft Embedded Windows CE 5.0 and 6.0. The Kit allows early users of the processor to rapidly climb the steep learning curve that can be associated with the a new microprocessor. The core of the Kit-5, the TX27 SODIMM module, can be directly designed into new systems, enabling fast time to market. Other features provided by the Kit-5 carrier board include: Socket for TX27 SODIMM - All pins from SODIMM brought out to header Harwin
Harwin for connectors,Datamate Connectors,Military Connectors,High Reliability Connectors...
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', BALLOON, true, ABOVE, true)" title="CONNECTORS">CONNECTORS - UCB1400 CODEC and touchscreen controller - Two SD card sockets - VGA via D-SUB 15 pin connector - LCD 40-pin header - 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connector - USB 2.0 connectors - Two RS232 headers - JTAG interface - 5V from USB or via screw terminal. The TX27 module contains the 400 MHz i.MX27 processor, 64 MB mobile DDR-SDRAM (128 MB option), 128 MB NAND Flash memory, 10/100 Ethernet MAC, USB 2.0 Host/OSG, LCD controller, MPEG4 H.263/H.264 hardware CODEC for D1 video and a camera interface, says the company.

Tags: Freescale, Processor, Embedded, Linux, Windows CE

ARM - Fabless business environment helps growth of ASIC design houses

The emergence of a fabless business environment has helped the growth of design houses who influence IP selection. ARM is engaging with these design houses with a new, innovative partnership model enabling a complete turnkey SoC service using ARM technology. Taiwanese SoC design solution provider Socle Technology Corporation is the first member of this program, says the company.

ARM has announced the ARM IP Portfolio Program, an innovative business and engagement model for companies offering custom ASIC design services. The initiative provides access to a comprehensive range of ARM IP and an opportunity for closer cooperation on new business opportunities.

Under the terms of the ARM IP Portfolio Program, selected companies can license a package of ARM technology (including processor, graphics, fabric & physical IP), which can be applied according to customer requirements. Immediate access accelerates time to market and provides the flexibility to adapt as requirements change from initial design through to manufacture. Compatibility between fully optimized ARM technologies also reduces risk and increases the likelihood of creating a competitive and compelling final solution.

Socle Technology has licensed the ARM11 processor family, the Mali-200 and Mali-55 cores for advanced 3D consumer graphics, CoreSight technology for advanced debug and trace capability and a full range of configurable AMBA PrimeCell peripherals (including interconnect, dynamic and static memory controllers, DMA controllers, and Level 2 Cache Controllers). Each item of IP also includes ARM support and maintenance as a condition of the license, says the company.

"At Socle, we are committed to working closely together with other industry leaders to deliver high-quality, low-Vicor
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', BALLOON, true, ABOVE, true)" title="POWER">POWER, energy-efficient solutions to our customer base," said David Lyou, president and CEO, Socle Technology Corporation. "Socle's SoC design platforms, SoC-ImP and µPlatform, with rapid access to ARM technology and Chartered's advanced foundry process will further enable us to provide higher-performance, more reliable and predictable design and development solutions to our OEM customers, and improve faster time-to-market for their digital devices."

Chartered, one of the world's leading dedicated semiconductor foundries, has invested in Socle as the major shareholder, with an eye to closer design collaboration and to provide a one-stop-shop ASIC solution in advanced process nodes.

Philip Lu, president, ARM Taiwan, said: "Socle Technology is well known as a leading provider of ARM technology-based embedded platform design solutions and our partnership with them is the first in our new, innovative business model which sees ARM engage in a strategic partnership with this important community. The ARM IP Portfolio Program will enable ARM, in collaboration with its Partners, to meet the requirements of the rapidly changing and fragmented supply chain with the widest possible application of optimized ARM technology."

Socle is a member of the ARM Approved Design Center program, a world-wide partnership of service companies certified to deliver expert design services around ARM IP. The ARM Approved Design Center program is part of the ARM Connected Community.

Tags: ARM, Processor, Embedded