The Reliable Software Developers’ Conference – UK, May 2014

Technology event organiser Energi Technical has announced that it will be launching "The Reliable Software Developers' Conference", scheduled for May 2014.

This one-day conference will provide an important forum for engineers and developers working in the development of safety critical systems and high availability systems. It is expected to attract software developers working in such industries as automotive, railway systems, aerospace, banking, medical and energy. www.rsd-conference.co.uk

"In recent years, software has become so complex that ensuring safety and reliability is now a major challenge," said Richard Blackburn, Event Organiser. "Many systems now have millions of lines of code and will handle enormous amounts of data. Further to this, modern computer based systems will make millions of decisions every second and also have to be immune to interference and unpredictable events. This event will look at the MISRA coding standards, debug tools and software testing tools that are available to assist software programmers and engineers seeking to develop reliable and safety critical
systems."

The Reliable Software Developers' Conference will be co-located with the 2014 UK Device Developers' Conference. Both will be a one-day conference to be run in Bristol, Cambridge, Northern England and Scotland on May 20th, May 20rd, June 3rd and June 5th.

Delegates attending either event will have the opportunity to sit in on technical presentations and ½ day technical workshops and a attend a vendor exhibition of tools and technology for the development of real-time and embedded systems. www.device-developer-conference.co.uk

"Advanced Debug Tools, Code Test, Version Control, Verification Tools and Software Standards have been a growing feature of recent conferences, so it made sense to create a dedicated event," said Richard. "There will be a lot expertise available to delegates, and the chance to meet a broad range of vendors of test technologies and tools, all under one roof."

Developed in collaboration with MISRA (Coding Standards), the Reliable Software Developers' Conference will feature a number of presentations in the morning, followed by a half-day technical workshop in the afternoon. The presentations will be free and open to delegates of both Conferences, but the half-day workshops will be subject to a charge of £75. Delegates will learn about developments in coding standards, test and verification tools and best practices and it will also be an opportunity to meet with many industry experts.

Refer to：http://embedded-computing.com/news/the-uk-may-2014/

Acrosser wish you Happy Holidays and a very prospective 2014 coming soon!

As we near the end of 2013, Acrosser would like to send you our warmest New Year’s wishes! We wish you and your family health, comfort, and prosperity this holiday season.

We also thank you for keeping up with our latest products, sending us inquiries, and choosing our products for your integrated solution! In 2014, we hope you will continue to choose Acrosser. We look forward to assisting you and your company in becoming the leader in your vertical market, and building a win-win relationship together.

And don’t forget about our star product, AES-HM76Z1FL, and its upcoming Product Testing Event in January! Remember to mark your calendar, since Acrosser is lending the product for free only to selected participants! Please stay tuned for more event information in early January!

With your continuous dedication and our commitment to quality, Acrosser is always motivated to make your embedded idea a reality!

Product Information:
http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Embedded-Computer/Fanless-Embedded-Systems/AES-HM76Z1FL/Intel-Core-i3／i7-AES-HM76Z1FL.html

Contact us：
http://www.acrosser.com/inquiry.html

Comprehensive customization for network appliances: meet our rackmount and micro box!

acrosser Technology, a world-leading network communication designer and manufacturer, introduces two network appliances that deliver great performance and protection while simplifying your network. Each product has its own target market and appeals to a unique audience.

Acrosser’s ANR-IB75N1/A/B serves as an integrated Unified Threat Management (UTM) device that covers all of your networking security needs. Featuring a 3rd generation Intel Core i processor, increased processing throughput is easily made. For integration with information security systems, the device also features functions such as anti-virus, anti-spam, fire wall, intrusion detection, VPN and web filtering, in order to provide complete solutions to meet the demands of various applications.

Key features of the ANR-IB75N1/A/B include:
‧Support for LGA1155 Intel® Core ™ i7/i5/i3 processor / Pentium CPU
‧Intel B75 Chipset
‧2 x DDRIII DIMM, up to 16GB memory.
‧2 x Intel 82576EB Fiber ports
‧8 x Intel 82574L 10/100/1000Mbps ports
‧Two pairs LAN ports support bypass feature (LAN 1/2 + LAN 3/4)
‧LAN bypass can be controlled by BIOS and Jumper
‧CF socket, 2 x 2.5” HDD, 1 x SATA III, 1 x SATA II
‧Console, VGA (pinhead), 2 x USB 3.0 (2 x external)
‧Support boot from LAN, console redirection
‧Equipped with 80 Plus Bronze PSU to decrease CO2 dissipation and protect our environment
‧LCM module to provide user-friendly interface
‧Standard 1U rackmount size

As for our micro box, the AND-D525N2 provides more possibilities for different applications due to its small form factor (234mm*165mm*44mm). Aside from its space-saving design, the other 3 major features of the AND-D525N2 are its high performance, low power consumption and competitive price. Please send us your inquiry via our website (http://www.acrosser.com/inquiry.html), or simply contact your nearest local sales location for further information.
Key features of the AND-D525N2 include:
‧Intel Atom D525 1.86GHz
‧Intel ICH8M Chipset
‧x DDR3 SO-DIMM up to 4GB
‧1 x 2.5 inch HDD Bay, 1 x CF socket
‧4 x GbE LAN, Realtek 8111E
‧2 x USB2.0
‧2 x SATA II
‧1 x Console
‧1 x MiniPCIe socket

Besides In addition to these two models, Acrosser also provides a wide selection of network security hardware. With more than 26 years of rich industry experience, Acrosser has the ODM/OEM ability to carry out customized solutions, shortening customers’ time-to-market and creating numerous profits.

For all networking appliances product, please visit:
http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Networking-Appliance.html

Product Information – ANR-IB75N1/A/B:
http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Networking-Appliance/Rackmount/ANR-IB75N1／A／B/Networking-Appliance-ANR-IB75N1／A／B.html

Product Information – AND-D525N2:
http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Networking-Appliance/MicroBox/AND-D525N2/ATOM-D525-AND-D525N2.html

Contact us：
http://www.acrosser.com/inquiry.html

ETHERNET GROWING IN CHINA

On the other hand, some open protocols also have a large number of nodes connected, and the most representative ones are CANOpen, Modbus and HART. However, all three protocols don’t deliver strong functionality, and they are more likely to be used in low-end applications for easy connections.

With the upgrading of old facilities and the construction of new plants in China, customers also are being compelled to upgrade their systems using Ethernet. However, this move will not only be implemented by the customers, but also by the industrial automation vendors as well.

Most protocols have Ethernet variants. Because of this, many Fieldbus users will turn to the Ethernet of the application, for example, PROFIBUS to PROFINET, CC-Link to CC-Link IE. And the new automation products will also support those new Ethernet connections.

refer to:http://www.automation.com/portals/industrial-networks-field-buses/industrial-ethernet-growing-in-china

High Computing Performance for All Applications- F.I.T. Technology

The demand for computing performance in the IPC market continues to become stronger as the IT field advances. Acrosser’s new AES-HM76Z1FL has been designed to meet these demands.

The F.I.T. Technology used to build this new product reflects its 3 major features: fanless design, Intel core i processor and ultra thin frame. The fanless design not only reduces the risk of exposure to air dust, but also prevents fan-malfunction. With a height of less than 0.8 inches, AES-HM76Z1FL’s slim design makes itself FIT into every application.

As its structure and output interface show, AES-HM76Z1FL provides a wide range of choices, from HDMI, VGA, USB, and audio to GPIO output interfaces that suit almost all industries. For wireless communication needs, the AES-HM76Z1FL has a mini-PCle expansion slot which provides support on both 3.5G and WiFi.

Another fascinating feature of the AES-HM76Z1FL is its ease of installation for expansions. By disassembling the bottom cover, expansions such as CF cards, memory upgrades and mini-PCIe can be easily complete without moving the heat sink. Moreover, Acrosser adopts 4 types of CPU (Intel Core i7/i3, Intel Celeron 1047UE/927UE) for AES-HM76Z1FL, allowing it to satisfy the scalable market demands of different applications.

In conclusion, the AES-HM76Z1FL is truly a well-rounded product designed for diverse applications. To promote our star product AES-HM76Z1FL, Acrosser will launch a product testing campaign starting in January, 2014. Acrosser will provide selected applications with the new AES-HM76Z1FL for one month, and it’s free! For more detailed information, please stay tuned for our press release, or leave us an inquiry on our website at www.acrosser.com!

Product Information:
http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Embedded-Computer/Fanless-Embedded-Systems/AES-HM76Z1FL/Intel-Core-i3／i7-AES-HM76Z1FL.html

Contact us：
http://www.acrosser.com/inquiry.html

← Older posts Service Dynamics Products & Services

Inherent Conflict
The dynamics of a service business and innovative product business are dramatically different. Established product companies tend to emphasize the practices and culture they know best when they move into services. The tendency is to find synergies based on their products that become the recommended solutions for customers. Additionally, it can be more difficult for a product company who provides services to be the champion for the customer when there is a problem with the product being implemented.

Ideal Product Company Focus

Innovation
I believe that companies who aspire to grow from services are in a sense making a statement that product innovation cannot be achieved to further automate. I think a major goal of product companies should be to use technology to compete with service providers. Consider the history of copiers where Xerox dominated the market and had a massive service organization. A group of Japanese companies changed this with copiers that could be installed and serviced by the user. In the automation industry, open network protocols have certainly enabled systems to be applied using best of breed sensors.

Ideal Product Company Focus
I believe that product companies should always be striving to eliminate implementation and operations labor with improved and innovative automation technology. There is an inherent conflict by having a company that provides services and products.

Is it possible?
Is it possible for an automation vendor to be effective at products and services? Maybe, but there have been a number of large computer companies that tried to offer services and products eventually becoming total service providers or went out of existence.
On balance, the use of a totally independent service provider may be in the best interest of the user.
refer to:http://www.automation.com/portals/factory-discrete-automation/can-automation-vendors-serve-two-masters-products-services

Acrosser unveils its ultra slim fanless embedded system with 3rd generation Intel core i processor

Acrosser Technology Co. Ltd, a world-leading industrial and embedded computer designer and manufacturer, announces the new AES-HM76Z1FL embedded system. AES-HM76Z1FL, Acrosser’s latest industrial endeavor, is surely a FIT under multiple circumstances. Innovation can be seen in the new ultra slim fanless design, and its Intel core i CPU can surely cater for those seeking for high performance. Therefore, these 3 stunning elements can be condensed as "F.I.T. Technology." (Fanless, Intel core i, ultra Thin)

The heat sink from the fanless design provides AES-HM76Z1FL with great thermal performance, as well as increases the efficiency of usable space. The fanless design provides dustproof protection, and saving the product itself from fan malfunction. AES-HM76Z1FL has thin client dimensions, with a height of only 20 millimeters (272 mm x183 mm x 20 mm). This differs from most embedded appliances, which have a height of more than 50 millimeters.

The AES-HM76Z1FL embedded system uses the latest technology in scalable Intel Celeron and 3rd generation Core i7/i3 processors with a HM76 chipset. It features graphics via VGA and HDMI, DDR3 SO-DIMM support, complete I/O such as 4 x COM ports, 3 x USB3.0 ports, 8 x GPI and 8 x GPO, and storage via SATA III and Compact Flash. The AES-HM76Z1FL also supports communication by 2 x RJ-45 gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 x SIM slot, and 1 x MinPCIe expansion socket for a 3.5G or WiFi module.

Different from most industrial products that focus on application in one specific industry, the AES-HM76Z1FL provides solutions for various applications through the complete I/O interfaces. Applications of the AES-HM76Z1FL include: embedded system solutions, control systems, digital signage, POS, Kiosk, ATM, banking, home automation, and so on. It can support industrial automation and commercial bases under multiple circumstances.

Key features:
‧Fanless and ultra slim design
‧Support Intel Ivy Bridge CPU with HM76 chipset
‧2 x DDR3 SO-DIMM, up to 16GB
‧Support SATA III and CF storage
‧HDMI/VGA/USB/Audio/GPIO output interface
‧Serial ports by RS-232 and RS-422/485
‧2 x GbE, 1 x SIM, and 1 x MiniPCIe(for3G/WiFi)

Product Information:

http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Embedded-Computer/Fanless-Embedded-Systems/AES-HM76Z1FL/Intel-Core-i3／i7-AES-HM76Z1FL.html

Contact us：

http://www.acrosser.com/inquiry.html

Introduction to model-based design

With model-based design, UAV engineers develop and simulate system models comprised of hardware and software using block diagrams and state charts, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. They then automatically generate, deploy, and verify code on their embedded systems. With textual computation languages and block diagram model tools, one can generate code in C, C++, Verilog, and VHDL languages, enabling implementation on MCU, DSP[], FPGA[], and ASIC hardware. This lets system, software, and hardware engineers collaborate using the same tools and environment to develop, implement, and verify systems. Given their auto-nomous nature, UAV systems heavily employ closed-loop controls, making system modeling and closed-loop simulation, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a natural fit.
Testing actual UAV systems via ground-controlled flight tests is expensive. A better way is to test early in the design process using desktop simulation and lab test benches. With model-based design, verification starts as soon as models are created and simulated for the first time. Tests cases based on high-level requirements formalize simulation testing. A common verification workflow is to reuse the simulation tests throughout model-based design as the model transitions from system model to software model to source code to executable object code using code generators and cross-compilers.
An in-the-loop testing strategy is often used as itemized below and summarized in Table 2:
1. Simulation test cases are derived and run on the model using Model-In-the-Loop (MIL) testing.
2. Source code is verified by compiling and executing it on a host computer using Software-In-the-Loop (SIL) testing.
3. Executable object code is verified by cross-compiling and executing it on the embedded processor or an instruction set simulator using Processor-In-the-Loop (PIL) testing.
4. Hardware implementation is verified by synthesizing HDL and executing it on an FPGA using FPGA-In-the-Loop (FIL) testing.

5. The embedded system is verified and validated using the original plant model using Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) testing.
A requirements-based test approach with test reuse for models and code is explicitly described in ARP4754A, DO-178C, and DO-331, the model-based design supplement to DO-178C.

refer to:
http://mil-embedded.com/articles/transitioning-do-178c-arp4754a-uav-using-model-based-design/

The networking influence of traffic 4.0

To find an example of how data intensive these solutions can be one only has to look at the needs of the leading Korean flat panel display manufacturers. Their tolerance for so-called ‘dead pixels’ is almost zero. To put this into perspective, a modern HD screen has 1080 vertical pixels horizontally and 1920 vertically. That’s 2,073,600 pixels on each unit. The manufacturing processes have to check each of these pixels, hundreds of times a day to ensure quality and control yield. It’s easy to see how quickly applications like this will generate vast volumes of data.

As another example, the global automotive industry produces countless different combinations of each vehicle model at an incredible rate. It’s typical for an assembly plant to produce a complete vehicle at a rate of more than one per minute.

Producing these countless different versions at such a pace demands a huge amount of flexibility and a great deal of bandwidth to cope with both the production instructions and the quality control. Most models today have literally thousands of different model configurations depending on customer option choice. To complicate things further, it’s not uncommon for one assembly plant to produce a variety of models. Again, it’s easy to see how this puts huge demands on the networking that deliver this information to the assembly line systems that ensure the correct parts are fitted on the correct vehicle.

As well as the sheer quantity of data that the Internet of Things (IoT) element of Industry 4.0 demands, there is also an interoperability question raised by the M2M (Machine to Machine) issue.

If our factories are full of machines prompting other machines to take action, we had better hope that those machines can talk to each other effectively without any compatibility problems.

In order to make sure that machine X can talk to machine Y we need to ensure that a rigorous conformance testing process is in place. You have to be confident that anything designed for the network, works with the network.

It’s for this reason that the CLPA devotes a great deal of effort to ensuring that our partners’ products have been tested to the necessary standards. We have created a global network of conformance testing centres that ensure no matter where a partner is located, they have access to convenient local conformance test labs that help speed their time to market.

The evidence is compelling - there is an installed base of over nine million CC-Link devices, but every year the CLPA only discovers a handful of instances of incompatibility.

refer to:http://www.connectingindustry.com/automation/the-networking-implications-of-industry-40.aspx

JR and AWL team up for greater sucess

Among the current automation market war, AWL is a leader in production industrial computer and experienced in the automotive and general industries with proficiency in laser welding.  With JR and AWL’s standing as leading global system integrators, this strategic embedded system partnership will facilitate an environment rich with knowledge, ability, and possibility for our customers. In addition to increasing available resources, JR and AWL will share knowledge and expertise on the latest technologies, keeping both companies on the cutting edge.

refer to: http://www.automation.com/jr-automation-and-awl-techniek-join-forces

Benefits for embedded webinar forum

Much of the content will be based around the embedded computers development and validation of Autosar compliant code and the development of code for specific devices such as the BOSCH GTM, the AURIX and Freescale's Nexus based Qorivva solutions. Some of the presentations will also touch on the debugging of code on multicore systems. Delegates will also have the opportunity to discuss their specific challenges and requirements.

“Developing reliable software for safety critical embedded computers  can be very challenging,” said Barry Lock. “We have recently developed several important new techniques, such as ‘long-term trace’. It is this kind of innovation that is enabling faster and more effective code development. I think engineers will greatly benefit from this embedded computers Forum.”

For more information and to register please visit www.lauterbach.com/1809

refer to: http://embedded-computing.com/news/lauterbach-software-debugging-workshops/

Bridge your system together with embedded computer

For systems where there is a clear single host device and other processors and accelerators operate as slave devices, embedded computer is a good choice for connectivity. However, for connecting many processors together in more complex systems, embedded computer has significant limitations in topology and support for peer-to-peer connectivity.

Many developers are looking to leverage Ethernet as a solution for connecting processors in embedded computers. Ethernet has evolved significantly in the past 35 years. Similar to the increase in computer processing speeds, its peak bandwidth has grown steadily. Currently available Ethernet Network Interface Controller (NIC) cards can support 40 Gbps operating over four pairs of SERDES with 10 Gbps signaling. Such NIC cards contain significant processing on their own to be able to transmit and receive packets at these speeds.

refer to: http://embedded-computing.com/articles/rapidio-optimized-low-latency-processor-connectivity/#at_pco=cfd-1.0

What about the gaming society?

There is a lot of lip service paid to BOM Control, since it is a lot easier to claim than to execute. With regularly shrinking NAND trace widths and revisions to the controller silicon/firmware it takes real commitment to maintain True BOM Control. This commitment comes with the cost of proper material planning, purchasing and stocking months to years' worth of end-of-life components as well as having production processes which guarantee gaming a stable BOM.

BOM (Bill-Of-Material) Control is one of the largest differentiators for Industrial offerings. True BOM Control locks down the controller and NAND silicon revisions as well as the firmware internal to the flash storage devices. It is very important to companies who have long gaming  qualification cycles to make sure their qualification efforts are meaningful by receiving the same BOM on production parts as was originally tested.

refer to: http://embedded-computing.com/news/benefits-industrial-flash-storage-devices/

About migrating legacy applications to multicor

 

Multicore processors bring significant performance and power usage benefits to embedded systems, but they also add the complexity of multiprocessing to the legacy migration workload. Nonetheless, development teams can successfully manage their transition to multicore by following some straightforward techniques.

1.Port to a portable standard
2.Divide and conquer
3.Leverage the tools
4.Making the transition
....
refer:
http://mil-embedded.com/articles/migrating-applications-multicore-not-scary-it-sounds/

Protect and control software stored in flash memory

It's been said for every measure, there's a countermeasure, and that's also true for securing code in embedded systems. Sometimes a small device can be just the countermeasure needed to thwart cloning of flash contents.

Many systems use external standard flash memory chip(s) to store the operating program for processors that do not include embedded nonvolatile program storage. This is great because it allows easy flash memory expansion and software modification, perhaps in the manufacturing line as a customer download or during a maintenance operation. The downside is that the OEM loses control over the contents of the flash, potentially allowing unauthorized copies or modification.

It’s not just lost revenue to be worried about, however. If malware is downloaded into a system, the OEM’s reputation might be affected. In the case of systems like medical devices, the OEM might even be exposed to liability concerns.

Refer:
http://embedded-computing.com/articles/protect-control-software-stored-flash-memory/#at_pco=cfd-1.0

Intel Core 2 Quad processors are built on 45nm Intel® Core™ microarchitecture enabling

The Intel® Core™2 Quad processor for desktop PCs is designed to handle massive compute and visualization workloads enabled by powerful multi-core technology. Providing the bandwidth you need for multi-threaded applications, Intel Core 2 Quad processors are built on 45nm Intel® Core™ microarchitecture enabling, faster, cooler, and quieter desktop PC and workstation experiences.

Whether you are encoding, rendering, editing, or streaming HD multimedia in the office or on the go, power your most demanding applications with PCs based on the Intel Core 2 Quad processor. Plus, with these processors you get great Intel® technologies built in²:
Intel® Wide Dynamic Execution, enabling delivery of more instructions per clock cycle to improve execution time and energy efficiency
Intel® Intelligent Power Capability, designed to deliver more energy-efficient performance
Intel® Smart Memory Access, improving system performance by optimizing the use of the available data bandwidth
Intel® Advanced Smart Cache, optimized for multi-core processors, providing a higher-performance, more efficient cache subsystem
Intel® Advanced Digital Media Boost, accelerating a broad range of multimedia, encryption, scientific and financial applications by significantly improving performance when executing Intel® Streaming SIMD Extension (SSE/SSE2/SSE3) instructions
Intel® HD Boost³, with Intel® Streaming SIMD Extension 4 (Intel SSE4) instructions for even greater multimedia performance and faster high definition video editing and encoding
Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT)², enabling greater security, manageability, and utilization
Future ready, designed to perform in highly threaded programs with powerful Intel® multi-core technology

from
http://www.intel.com/products/processor/core2quad/index.htm

3.5 Inch Embedded Single board computer with Intel Atom Processor “Cedar Trial” N2800

AMB-N280S1, which carries Intel dual- core 1.8 GHz Atom Processor N2800. Acrosser takes advantage of Atom Cedar Trail N2000 series processor in design, such as low power consumption and small footprint as former Atom series. With fanless design AMB-N280S1 has one SO-DIMM supports DDR3 memory to maximum 4GB. Focusing on embedded and industrial applications, AMB-N280S1 has variety I/O ports like 6 x serial ports (one is RS-232/485 selectable), 4 x USB2.0, 2 x GbE, and one Mini-PCIe expansion. It also offers 1 x SATA interface and power connector for the customers have large storage capacity request.

Intel Atom Processor N2800 provides more powerful graphic performance by less power consumption. There are one HDMI port and one VGA output on AMB-N280S1 can support both two displays to maximum resolution 1920 x 1200. It also offers the 18-bit LVDS interface for small size LCD panel. There are two Mini-PCIe expansion slots for customer’s expansion. One on the upper side comes with SIM card socket, PCIe signals, and USB signals that can be equipped with 3G/4G telecommunication module. The other one on the bottom side is designed with SATA signals especially for mSATA storage module.

About VIA Eden Processor Applications

With its signature fanless operation, the VIA Eden™ processor family targets personal, business, industrial and commercial embedded computing devices that require ultra low power consumption, rock solid reliability and compatibility with standard x86 operating systems and software applications.

VIA Eden Processor Applications

The low power consumption, excellent heat dissipation and leading power efficiency makes the VIA Eden processor ideal for a wide range of compact, quiet devices for the home, office, car, shops, hospitals, public institutions, industrial plants and much.

Secure by Design

VIA Eden processors are helping to herald an era of practical pervasive security thanks to the VIA PadLock Security Engine, the world's fastest x86 security engine in the world featuring the most comprehensive suite of tools for key cryptographic operations.

from
http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/processors/eden/