Resources

How to Select an Industrial PC with I/O for a Wide Temperature Application
Acromag
As more embedded computing projects migrate from large rack-based VME or CompactPCI systems and into small box computers, designers need to take heat inside and outside the box into consideration. This white paper discusses various heat management techniques.
5 August 2010

Data-Oriented Architecture: A Loosely-Coupled Real-Time SOA
Real-Time Innovations
As more devices and systems get woven into the fabric of our networked world, the scale and the complexity of integration is growing at a rapid pace. Our existing methodologies and training for system software design, rooted in principles of object-oriented design, that worked superbly for small scale systems begin to break down as we discover operational limits which requires frequent and unintended redesigns in programs year over year. Fundamentally, object-oriented thinking leads us to think in terms of tightly-coupled interactions that include strong state assumptions. Large scale distributed systems are often a mix of subsystems created by independent parties, often using different middleware technologies, with misaligned interfaces. Integrating such sub-systems using object-oriented thinking poses some fundamental challenges.
6 July 2010

Conduction Cooling Techniques for Rugged Computers
Kontron
Conduction cooling for modular embedded computers has been used for many years in applications where air cooling is not appropriate. Standardization efforts have helped to maintain interoperability of COTS products. Conduction cooled design techniques are continuously improving to meet the requirements for higher power dissipation and lower price. This paper will examine why applications use conduction cooled boards, the concept of the Ruggedizer and ways to extend thermal performance.
6 July 2010

Kontron supplies multi-processor VME solution to power the world's most accurate satellite navigation system
Kontron
The world's latest and most advanced Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Galileo, is now in its test and validation phase. At the heart of the system's Ground Control Center (GCC) is a multi-processor embedded computer system from Kontron consisting of around 180 high performance dualcore 6U VME CPU boards. By the time this iconic European infrastructure goes into full operation, Kontron will have delivered more than 1000 high-performance dual-core VME boards, the equivalent of 26 teraflops of peak processing power.
6 July 2010

Computer-on-Modules: Enabling Longevity and Scalability for Innovative Embedded Applications
Kontron
6 July 2010

Putting FPGAs to Work in Software Radio Systems
Pentek, Inc
The folks at Pentek are pleased to announce their recently released and expanded Putting FPGAs to Work in Software Radio Systems Handbook. Now in its 5th edition, the handbook proves to be a useful technical reference for engineers. It's yours free, just click on the link to download: Pentek
29 June 2010

Actel SmartFusion: Intelligent, Innovative Integration White Paper
Actel
Actel's new family of SmartFusion chips takes all the traditional advantages of FPGAs and combines them with equally flexible analog circuitry and the world's most popular embedded processor. It's all rolled up in one package, and all under your control. It's a single "super chip" that could very probably be the only chip in your system. How's that for space, time, power and cost savings?
3 June 2010

Design Made Easy with Mixed-Signal FPGAs and State of the Art Software Tools
Actel
This paper examines the evolution path for FPGAs with embedded processors, and the design tools that support them, and considers whether engineers need to evolve their techniques to accommodate the integrated silicon or whether they can continue to manage their boundaries at the silicon level instead of the board level. New techniques are available in the embedded mixed signal FPGA design flow, but do they smooth the adoption of a fully integrated device?
3 June 2010

Shrinking Dies and Cooling PC/104
Advanced Digital Logic
One of the dilemmas facing mechanical engineers is the perpetually shrinking size of processor dies, which presents major thermal management challenges in PC/104 systems. Instead of relying on traditional heat sink and fan solutions, designers can use transmissive thermal interface systems to transfer heat out of small die processor boards in keeping with PC/104 height specifications.
7 May 2010

How to Automatically Ensure Military/Aerospace Software Meets Quality and Compliance Requirements
Coverity
Gain insight into how to successfully overcome strict compliance and testing requirements, and increasing demand for increasingly complex functionality with Coverity software integrity products for organizations with zero tolerance policies for software failures and security breaches. Results summarized alongside Deloitte, VDC Research, and other studies.
25 March 2010

Compliance and Regulation: Meet DO-178B Software Verification Guidelines with Coverity Integrity Center
Coverity
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognizes DO-178B, one of the most stringent standards in use in the software development industry, as an acceptable means of compliance for securing the FAA approval of software in airborne systems and equipment. This document will discuss how the Coverity Integrity Center can help with specific software verification guidelines as outlined in DO-178B.
25 March 2010

Minimal Boot Loader for Intel Architecture
Intel
The intent of this White paper is to describe the minimal initialization steps that are necessary in order to boot to an Intel Architecture (IA) platform. The Intel Embedded Design Center provides qualified developers with web-based access to technical resources. Access Intel Confidential design materials, step-by step guidance, application reference solutions, training, Intel's tool loaner program, and connect with an e-help desk and the embedded community. Design Fast. Design Smart. Get started today. www.intel.com/embedded/edc.
17 March 2010

Integrating Graphic Designers into the Embedded Design Cycle
Crank Software Inc
This white paper examines technical issues that graphic designers and system engineers face when designing GUIs for products in the embedded market, and looks at tools to facilitate and streamline the graphic design process.
26 February 2010

PCI Express Expansion in the Industrial Marketplace (January 2005):
One Stop Systems
Market Needs and Applications of PCI Express Expansion Products
24 February 2010

MAX Express Expansion Overview
One Stop Systems
Illustrated Overview
24 February 2010

Anatomy of MAX Express Cable Expansion (White Paper, August 2005):
One Stop Systems
How to build a high-speed PCI Express Expansion System using MAX Express products
24 February 2010

CompactPCI and AdvanceTCA Systems Magazine (August 2006):
One Stop Systems
A Guide to CompactPCI Express
24 February 2010

HSIB™ — A New Interoperable, High-Bandwidth, Low-Latency Bus based on Cabled PCI Express:
One Stop Systems
This paper introduces the HSIB bus, a new higher-bandwidth, lower-latency instrument control bus. HSIB extends cabled PCI Express to solve high-performance test problems by defining how multiple PCs and/or instruments can transfer data. This paper covers HSIB technical and business benefits, challenges of standardizing cabled PCI Express, HSIB physical and software layers, early prototype benchmarking results, and future direction.
24 February 2010

Meeting Real-Time Requirements in Integrated Defense Systems
Real-Time Innovations
This paper examines the challenges faced by defense network software, traces the evolution of real-time requirements, and examines how the required performance is possible with modern, standards-based, commercial technology.
24 February 2010

Using Embedded Linux and Flash Memory to Build Responsive and Reliable Products
Datalight
Whether you’re considering a move to embedded Linux, or you’re fully immersed in embedded Linux development, there are steps you can take to ensure a successful project and avoid some of the common pitfalls of working with flash in this environment. This whitepaper examines the current situation embedded Linux developers find themselves in based on three key trends, explores the dos and don’ts, and gives you some tips to make your embedded Linux projects successful.
24 February 2010

Increase Revenues with Digital Video Surveillance
Adaptec/Seagate/Arrow
With the migration from analog systems to digital systems, video surveillance has become a booming market whose growth is estimated
24 February 2010

Learn more about DO-254 with additional tech papers
Mentor Graphics
Find additional resources about the new government standard for commercial airline safety from the Mentor Graphics technical library. There you’ll find everything from a basic introduction that presents the new DO-254 standard in easy-to-understand terminology, to more detailed applications of how to incorporate it into your designs. Learn how to meet your DO-254 quality objectives while improving the productivity of your flows. Download a free technical paper today.
24 February 2010

High-Density, High-Performance Integrated, Multi-Chip Memory Solutions
Austin Semiconductor
In 2006, Austin Semiconductor answered the challenge with the iPEM product line. This new product family definition was based on a 32mm x 25mm, 255 ball BGA with a ball pitch of 1.27mm. This product was defined with DDR2 as the basis for the product family electro-mechanical interconnect, facilitating backward compatibility architecture wise and backward as well as forward density migration for all family architecture members.
24 February 2010

COTS Embedded Database Solving Dynamic Points-of-Interest
Birdstep Technology, Inc.
In navigation devices of today the This article looks at how commercial of the shelf (CTOS) database solutions can be utilized to solve the dynamic point of interest problem.
24 February 2010

Data Management Solution: Build vs. Buy
Birdstep Technology, Inc.
This article explores
24 February 2010

Database Management in Real-time and Embedded Systems
Birdstep Technology, Inc.
This article points out things to consider when making the decision to go with a commercial real-time embedded database or build your own. It also makes some comments around database models to utilize to get your job done.
24 February 2010

Moxa secret behind wide temperature technology
MOXA
What does it take to design wide temperature computers that generally have an operating temperature range of -40°C to 75°C? By constructing an industrial computer to be operable under extreme heat and cold, manufacturers can assure reliability and reduce the likelihood of product failure for applications in a variety of harsh environments over extended periods of time. Download this white paper to learn more about the secrets behind wide temperature computers.
24 February 2010

Debugging Techniques with an RTOS
Mentor Graphics
24 February 2010

Abstracting Device Driver Code for Efficient Porting, Testing & Code Reuse
Mentor Graphics
24 February 2010

Using C++ Efficiently in Embedded Applications Tech Paper
Mentor Graphics
24 February 2010

Power-Aware FPGA Design
Actel
24 February 2010

High-Volume nano FPGAs Going Where no FPGA Has Gone Before
Actel
24 February 2010

Incredible Shrinking Medical Devices
Actel
24 February 2010

Competitive Programmable Logic Power Comparison
Actel
24 February 2010

Computer Architectures for Embedded Safety-Critical Applications
MEN Micro
Failures of safety-critical electronic systems can result in loss of life, substantial financial damage or severely harm the environment. Such systems are used in medical equipment, airplanes, trains, weapons and nuclear power stations. The term "security" means that something is not only secure but also secured.
24 February 2010

Designing with ARM Based Systems
Mentor Graphics
The ARM architecture is the most widely used processor architecture in the world with new licensees signing up every month. Supporting this growth is the ARM Connected Community which forms a broad ecosystem to support designers using ARM cores. Mentor Graphics are at the forefront of the ARM Connected Community from both a hardware EDA perspective as well as from the embedded software side where their Nucleus OS is deployed on more ARM powered devices than any other operating system.
24 February 2010

StackableUSB Extended Power
StackableUSB
USB 2.0 provides for up to 500mA of +5 Volt power to each device. The device requests power in 2mA increments via the MaxPower field in the device’s configuration descriptor. The field is one byte in size and the maximum allowable value is 250 for a total of 500mA requested.
24 February 2010

Streamlining DO-178B Efforts With Klocwork Source Code Analysis
Klocwork
Software development teams aiming to achieve DO-178B certification can streamline their efforts through the use of source code analysis tools. In this white paper, learn how Klocwork’s defect, architecture, and metrics analysis tools can be used to automate time consuming tasks and achieve key objectives of the DO-178B guidance.
24 February 2010

Switched Ethernet Latency Analysis
GE Fanuc
High data throughput and low cost make Ethernet attractive to users of specialized networks. However, Ethernet has a key shortcoming; the time it takes data to traverse the network cannot be predicted. Techniques in this paper enable users to analyze maximum data latency, enabling Ethernet to be used effectively in specialty networks.
24 February 2010

Is DDS for You?
RTI
Today's embedded software applications are increasingly distributed; they communicate data between many computing nodes in a networked system. Several network middleware designs have arisen to meet the resulting communications need, including client-server, message passing, and publish-subscribe architectures.
24 February 2010

Embedded Computers for Substation Automation
Moxa
Power substations play a critical role in transporting electricity from power plants to homes, businesses, and factories. However, a typical power grid can be comprised of hundreds of substations that need to monitored and controlled. Thanks to the rapid growth of computer and communication technology, power substations are becoming more automated and increasingly deploy intelligent devices to monitor and control unmanned facilities. Key factors to establishing successful substation automation systems include faster and more reliable networking solutions such as embedded computers. This white paper discusses how embedded computer systems can provide reliable automation for power substation networks.
24 February 2010

A Single-Chip 24 GHz SiGe BiCMOS Transceiver for Low Cost FMCW Airborne Radars
US Monolithics
New Economical 24 GHz FMCW Radar on a Single Chip Expands Options for Short Range Radar. The goal of this new MMIC is to provide a highly integrated FMCW transceiver with all components on a single-chip, while still achieving adequate transmit-to-receive isolation. Engineers now have a significantly higher performing, lower cost, and more reliable product.
24 February 2010

RECOM 100% DC-DC power at 100°C. No derating!
Recom Power
RECOM uses I.C.E. Technology for its highly anticipated Power line Plus series of DC/DC converters offering 100% power from -45°C up to 100°C ambient temperature without derating. It's the ideal choice for Military COTS and Aerospace applications. The converters series feature ICE Technology, a revolutionary method of extending the temperature range without increasing the dimensions over standard converters.
24 February 2010

Extending PCI-Express in MicroTCA Platforms
Magma
Magma's AMC Adapter allows telecommunication solution providers to extend MicroTCA's traditional role as a chassis for AMC modules to now include legacy hardware built around PCI and PCI Express bus architectures.
24 February 2010

Achieving Breakthrough Performance with Tree-based File Systems
Datalight
Using the right file system is a critical factor in achieving system performance, but it is often overlooked. As ever larger amounts of data bog down embedded system performance, device manufacturers compensate by adding faster processors and mroe memory, which in turn increases device cost and impacts battery life. In this paper, we will look at a more efficient way of achieving device responsiveness by improving data management performance with a highly optimized file system.
24 February 2010

New, Fast and Efficient DO-254 Verification Methodology
Aldec
This White Paper points out the most significant issues which can be encountered during DO-254 compliant verification process for FPGA designs. It proposes the methods of saving development time during the functional verification process, reusing the work done during RTL simulation and performing the in-hardware at-speed testing in target FPGA devices assuring at the same time a high visibility of results and traceability of requirements.
24 February 2010

Designing SONAR Systems for Harbor Surveillance
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms
As the most widely-installed local area network technology, Ethernet is used as a universal network solution in office and web applications, and production facilities. But when Ethernet was developed over 30 years ago, time-critical, deterministic or safety-relevant tasks were not taken into account. Time-Triggered Ethernet (TTEthernet) expands classical Ethernet use with powerful services (SAE AS6802) to meet the new requirements of reliable, real-time data delivery in advanced integrated systems. In addition, TTEthernet switches provide ARINC 664 functionality to meet existing requirements of avionics Ethernet networks.
24 February 2010

Time Triggered Ethernet - A Powerful Time-Triggered Network Solution
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms
As the most widely-installed local area network technology, Ethernet is used as a universal network solution in office and web applications, and production facilities. But when Ethernet was developed over 30 years ago, time-critical, deterministic or safety-relevant tasks were not taken into account. Time-Triggered Ethernet (TTEthernet) expands classical Ethernet use with powerful services (SAE AS6802) to meet the new requirements of reliable, real-time data delivery in advanced integrated systems. In addition, TTEthernet switches provide ARINC 664 functionality to meet existing requirements of avionics Ethernet networks.
24 February 2010

Increasing Bandwidth and Connectivity in Small Form Factor, High-Performance Embedded Applications: The I/O-Centric, High-Speed SUMIT Interconnect Standard
VersaLogic Corp.
Designers of high-performance embedded systems need to incorporate growing numbers and types of I/O in smaller and smaller off-the-shelf and semi-custom boards, while keeping their design platforms flexible enough to accommodate a variety of designs, including some that must maintain compatibility with legacy I/O.
24 February 2010

Myths and Realities of Real-Time Linux Software Systems
VersaLogic Corp.
This white paper addresses the fundamentals of real-time embedded systems, differences between soft and hard real-time systems, and the current state of the PREEMPT_RT patch in the Linux kernel. This includes an analysis of several common misconceptions including performance issues, latency, programming APIs and the software kernel. In addition, there are suggestions for implementation options to convert Linux to a real-time operating system.
24 February 2010

The Vision for Next Generation CompactPCI (R) and PICMG 2.30 Standards Featuring 3M Connectors and Men Micro SBCs
MEN Micro
This webinar reviews how the new PICMG 2.30 CompactPCI PlusIO standard adds serial functions on the J2 rear I/O connector in CompactPCI systems for added flexibility and versatility as well as easier system upgrades. Implementation examples at the system, board (SBC) and connector level are demonstrated.
24 February 2010

The CHAMP-AV6: Maximizing Performance with Minimal Porting Effort
Curtiss Wright
This paper presents information from a benchmark prepared by Gedae Inc. which compares the relative performance of the CHAMP-AV4 Freescale Power Architecture MPC7447A Digital Signal Processor and CHAMP-AV6 Freescale MPC8641D Digital Signal Processor running a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) application.
24 February 2010

Six Design and Development Considerations for Embedded Multi-Processor Systems
Aonix
Established over 40 years ago, Moore's law explains that processor capacity roughly doubles every two years. The doubling of capacity can be seen as doubling of memory sizes and processing speeds. In recent years, chip companies have found that the most effective way to profit from today's wealth of transistors is to place multiple processing cores on the same chip. This paper discusses some of the issues associated with targeting symmetric multi-processor (SMP) platforms for embedded and real-time software systems.
24 February 2010

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Data Acquisition and Embedded Control: Part One - Analog Inputs
UEI
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Data Acquisition and Embedded Control: Part One — Analog Inputs," covers popular system types, A/D conversion, input channel configuration, simultaneous sampling, accuracy specifications, sample rate, input range, and more.
24 February 2010

Design considerations in building shielded enclosures
Equipto Electronics
Designing enclosures to protect against EMI requires following standards, making careful materials selection, and most importantly, backing up theoretical knowledge with first-hand experience.
24 February 2010

The Future of CAN / CANopen and the Industrial Ethernet Challenge
ESD Electronics, Inc
Industrial Ethernet technologies are a formidable challenge to CANopen as the low-cost industrial networking technology of choice. Ethernet technologies will eventually replace the majority of CANopen applications, at least in regards to new developments
24 February 2010

Embedded Computing: The Next Generation Merging the best of PC/104 and COM-style architectures
Diamond Systems
This whitepaper examines an emerging paradigm in embedded computing, the "Embedded-Ready Subsystem", how it evolved and its benefits compared to popular stackable architectures, such as PC/104, and computer-on-module systems.
24 February 2010

FlightSafety uses UEI's RACKtangle I/O System
UEI
Learn how FlightSafety International Simulation, uses United Electronic Industries' RACKtangle Input/Output linkage to increase performance while saving time, money and space.
24 February 2010

A Modern Alternative to VME
UEI
The Ethernet I/O chassis from United Electronic Industries is a modern alternative to aging VME systems and why FlightSafety International has switched from VME to UEI's Gigabit Ethernet RACKtangle I/O chassis
24 February 2010

Software Defined Radio Handbook, 7th Edition
Pentek
The folks at Pentek are pleased to announce their recently released and expanded Software Radio Handbook. Now in its 7th Edition, the handbook proves to be a useful technical reference for engineers.
24 February 2010

OpenVPX Backplane Profiles: Making Sense of System Interoperability For VPX
Elma Bustronic
OpenVPX has opened up new definitions for VPX backplanes and systems. This includes defined Module Profiles, Slot Profiles, backplane & chassis configurations, secondary expansion fabrics and control planes, and higher speed fabric options. Elma Bustronic will provide some clarity for the new definitions and what they entail.
24 February 2010

Getting Started with Android Development for Embedded Systems (Whitepaper)
Mentor Graphics
This paper takes a look at the design of Android, how it works, and how it may be deployed to accelerate the development of a connected device. Along with basic guidelines to getting started with Android, the Android SDK, its available tools and resources are reviewed and some consideration is given to applications for Android beyond conventional mobile handsets such as medical devices, consumer electronics and military/aerospace systems.
24 February 2010

Getting Started with Android Development for Embedded Systems (Webinar)
Mentor Graphics
This webinar takes a look at the design of Android, how it works and how it may be deployed to accelerate the development of a connected device. Android is an open source platform built by Google that includes an operating system, middleware and applications for the development of devices employing cellular communications.
24 February 2010

Cobham Sensor System's latest Digital Receiver - Digital Receiver DRX-5571
Cobham Sensor Systems
The DRX-5571 is the latest addition to Cobham Sensor Systems, formerly, M/A-COM SIGINT Products Inc., line of high-performance microwave set-on receivers. The proven RF to IF performance of the SMR-5550 series receivers is combined with FPGA-based demodulation and radio demultiplexing capability. This allows the receiver to fully process microwave signals having complex modulation and encoding schemes down to underlying radio payload. Thus the DRX-5571 provides a completely integrated system solution for performing capture, analysis, survey, and collection of wideband digital radio RF signals
24 February 2010

AMD in Embedded: Proven Leadership and Solutions
AMD
A long history of high-performance low-power solutions for embedded applications
24 February 2010

DO-254 Overview: Compliance Challenges and Solutions
Mentor Graphics
Watch this presentation to learn about DO-254 principles and how to establish a requirements-based, high-quality design flow that supports the principles of DO-254 compliance. DO-254 compliance is a recent challenge that aerospace hardware vendors now face. The ability to establish compliant and highly productive design flows can make the difference between companies that are successful in this market and those that fall by the wayside.
24 February 2010