Aptix comes to aid of embedded code jockeys
Software Integration Station enables embedded software developers to start code development and integration as soon as the hardware engineers have a "simulateable" version of their design ready. Embedded software components such as boot code, drivers, diagnostics, and test programs can be completely developed and debugged long before first silicon is available. It also enables developers to execute application code at multi-megahertz speeds on hardware prototypes in time to find and correct hardware problems before committing to silicon.
Software developers using Software Integration Station can use the same compilers, debuggers ICE unit, and operating environment that would be used working on a prototype board.
Software Integration Station is based on the technology found in Aptix's System Explorer reconfigurable system prototyping products. However, since Software Integration Station does not include the hardware development and debug capabilities of System Explorer, it can be made available at a significantly reduced cost.
Software Integration Station is designed to serve three markets. First, it will allow companies using System Explorer in their hardware design flows to leverage their investments by making their software developers more productive. Second, companies that use expensive mainframe hardware emulation products can now afford to move beyond hardware verification into software validation. Finally, companies that do not use emulation in their hardware flows can use the experts available through Aptix's eSoCverify.com to create emulation solutions that can be used by their software developers.
Register transfer level (RTL) designers can have their hardware prototypes developed on System Explorer systems by a team of Aptix experts. Through eSoCverify.com, Aptix's secure, Web-based SoC verification system, Aptix enables a hardware design team to upload its RTL designs to Aptix via a secure virtual private network. Aptix's emulation engineers can configure a design on System Explorer, the configuration for which is captured as a bitstream and downloaded to Software Integration Stations over the network, enabling software developers to use the latest version of a design. Bringing software developers into the early stages of the design process ensures that problems can be solved early and before expensive production commitments are made.
Pricing for Software Integration Station varies based on capacity required by design companies. Units are available starting at $50,000.
Aptix Corp., 2880 North First St., San Jose, CA 95134. Tel: 408-428-6200; Fax: 408-944-0646.
Edited by David Maliniak
Managing Editor, ElectronicsWeb.com