Product category: Embedded Software and Operating Systems
News Release from: Motorola Embedded Communications Computing Group | Subject: OMCK and HSK
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 30 March 2001
Software duo boost CPCI applications
Motorola Computer Group has two new software products for Windows 2000: the Open MultiComputing Kit (OMCK) backplane messaging software, and the Hot Swap Kit (HSK) infrastructure software
Motorola Computer Group has announced two new software products for Windows 2000: the Open MultiComputing Kit (OMCK) backplane messaging software, and the Hot Swap Kit (HSK) hot swap infrastructure software. This software has been designed for Motorola's extensive range of CompactPCI hardware.
Related stories
Dual 16-core blade boosts ATCA performance
Powerful ATCA blade incorporates many-core technology developed to provide a substantial increase in performance and functionality for high-bandwidth packet processing applications
AMC boosts performance for under a grand
Advanced Mezzanine Card claims up to twice the processing capability of previous generation modules, for a volume price of less than GBP 1000
These flexible, powerful and highly serviceable solutions are designed to enable OEMs building industrial automation, medical equipment and network storage applications to bring products to market quicker.
The HSK layers on top of Windows 2000 enables CompactPCI peripheral processors and other peripheral boards with plug-and-play (PnP) capable device drivers to be inserted into and removed from a running system, without shutting down the system - a key enabler in applications such as an assembly line where downtime is costly.
HSK conforms to the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturer's Group's (PICMG) Hot Swap and Hot Swap Infrastructure Interface Specifications (Revision 1.0.).
The OMCK layers on top of HSK and enables a backplane messaging capability in a host-controlled multi-CPU system.
It emulates the operation of an Ethernet network on the backplane using the TCP/IP industry standard.
Further reading
UTStarcom adopts AdvancedTCA platform
Open standard ATCA technology will help UTStarcom to deliver cost-effective, scalable and highly available solutions to network operators in Asia and worldwide
OpenSAF project to drive high-availablity systems
New OpenSAF project will develop a complete high-availability operating environment based on Service Availability Forum standards with support from leading equipment and software vendors
Communications server offers high availability
The Avantellis 3406 communications server supports the deployment of multiple applications, including wireless infrastructure, packetised voice, wireline data, and cable network head-end equipment
It currently supports Wind River's VxWorks 5.4 and Windows NT Embedded 4.0 on the peripheral processors.
Jorge Magalhaes, vice president and director of marketing, cross-industry business unit, Motorola Computer Group said: "Both the Hot Swap and Open MultiComputing software, when integrated with our hardware, serve as building blocks for our strategic customers' next-generation systems in industrial automation, medical and network storage.
When combined with our 3U CompactPCI-based CPX1204 chassis, for example, they enable a heterogeneous hardware and software environment that delivers a high degree of functionality and flexibility in a small footprint".
The new software was developed in conjunction with Pigeon Point Systems, a leading provider of system software that enables robust CompactPCI platforms.
The OMCK enables applications running on the powerful semi-autonomous processors of a multi-computer to communicate via the CompactPCI backplane using the familiar sockets Application Programming Interface (API), defined by the operating system running on each participating processor.
Pigeon Point Systems president Mark Overgaard said "We think Motorola has a powerful recipe here for helping OEMs lead their market segments, and we're pleased to be able to deliver two key software ingredients.
By integrating Motorola's proven boards with Windows 2000 at the system level and VxWorks 5.4 or Windows NT Embedded 4.0 on powerful peripheral processors, we're able to help Motorola give its OEMs the competitive advantages they need".
Overgaard added, "Even better, they get the time-to-market advantage of using: existing PnP-aware device drivers and applications with the HSK and existing sockets-based networking applications for any of the supported operating systems to communicate over the backplane with the OMCK.
In addition, the OMCK speeds development and simplifies deployment of peripheral processors based on VxWorks 5.4 by allowing bootable images to be downloaded automatically over the backplane based on flexible board configuration parameters".
Motorola's CPX1204 is just 3U high and horizontally mounts either five 6U CompactPCI cards, or four 6U CompactPCI cards and a flexible drive-bay module.
This module is capable of supporting multiple peripherals, including floppy, hard disk, CD-ROM and tape backup drives.
Compared with existing CompactPCI systems, which provide eight to 16 vertically oriented 6U cards in 9 to 15U packages, the CPX1200 series can support from 15 to 25 6U cards in the same cabinet space, nearly doubling card capacity.
Motorola's offering also supports high availability using a shelf-level fault zone architecture.
The OMCK should be available by 13th April 2001 at a price expected to begin at GBP2450.
The HSK for Windows 2000 is expected by the same date at GBP1680.
• Motorola Embedded Communications Computing Group: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Related Business News
S2c Partners With Verific Design Automation...
...To Support Soc Design.
MontaVista Leads Industry in Mobile Linux Deployments and Revenue
MontaVista Software, Inc., the leading provider of Linux for intelligent devices and communications infrastructure, is also the leader in embedded Linux for mobile devices, according to a recent report from analyst firm Ventur
Performance Technologies Expands Exclusive Distribution Partnership with VSYSTEMS France
Le-bretonneux, France and MILTON KEYNES, U.K., May 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Performance Technologies , a leading developer of communication platforms and systems, and VSYSTEMS France, a provider of high-end embedded computer systems, are pleased to
VirtualLogix Announces Japan Expansion
VirtualLogix, Inc., the Real-Time Virtualization company, today announced it has opened an office in Tokyo, Japan to meet the growing demand for its real-time virtualization solutions for the embedded electronics market.
Ni Labwindows(tm)/cvi And Measurement Studio Now...
...Compatible With Windows Vista. National Instruments today announced the release of the newest versions of LabWindows/CVI, the proven ANSI C integrated development environment, and Measurement Studio, a comprehensive suite of libraries and user interface controls for