MUNICH, Embedded Systems Conference, November 9, 2004 - QNX Software Systems today unveiled the new QNX® MOST Technology Development Kit (TDK), which speeds the development of high-performance in-vehicle multimedia applications for the Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) bus. The new kit features out-of-the-box QNX Neutrino® realtime operating system (RTOS) support for MOST NetServices, which provides a standard interface for accessing the MOST network, and also includes source-code modules for IP networking, allowing developers to quickly support new or custom hardware."QNX has supported the MOST bus for over three years now, with QNX-based MOST implementations running in tens of thousands of vehicles worldwide," said Andrew Poliak, automotive business manager, QNX Software Systems. "This latest kit makes it easier than ever for developers to build reliable, high-performance systems according to their specifications. For example, two systems may interact over MOST using either NetServices or TCP/IP - or they can access each other's resources transparently, using QNX distributed processing."
MOST, a fiber-optic network optimized for the automobile industry, is rapidly becoming the de facto standard for building multimedia networking products. By networking through the MOST bus, automotive developers can significantly eliminate the cost, weight, and complexity that result from the growing number of peripherals being installed into vehicles.
The MOST NetServices Application Programming Interface (API) provides access to all data transportation mechanisms on a MOST Network, while ensuring compatibility with the MOST specification. To help accelerate development, the QNX MOST TDK comes complete with OASIS NetServices functionality, providing a "one stop shop" for customers. System designers gain the convenience of using NetServices out of the box, without additional customization.
Using the QNX MOST TDK, designers can connect functions via a reliable digital network capable of great flexibility, low cost, and high performance. Simply put, the TDK offers higher reliability and greater functionality for the vendor, while reducing development time and costs for automakers.
Features and Benefits
The QNX MOST TDK includes source and binaries (MOST controllers and transceiver Oasis OS8104) for supported platforms, Oasis MOST NetServices libraries (Layers I, II, and High Protocol), source code for Oasis MOST NetServices libraries, sample NetServices applications, and an interface directly to the various channels (synchronous, asynchronous, and control).
Features include:
Complete integration with QNX Neutrino RTOS - MOST works as a native QNX application, enabling transparent access to all system resources. Applications on the MOST system inherit the reliability and performance benefits of the QNX Neutrino microkernel architecture - memory protection, built-in fault tolerance, distributed processing, dynamic upgradability, and so on.
Oasis NetServices plug-in support - Lets developers plug in to NetServices through a low-level QNX driver, removes porting issues such as naming collisions, and works easily with different configurations and implementations of the Oasis OS8104 transceiver.
Enhanced network performance - The QNX MOST low-level network driver enables use of TCP/IP over MOST bus and allows for multiple tasks to run simultaneously, eliminating bottlenecks.
Accelerated driver development - Source code and documentation lets designers implement custom MOST drivers easily and quickly, shortening overall development time.
Broad platform support - The QNX MOST TDK supports ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, SH-4, and x86 platforms.
QNX Transparent Distributed Processing (TDP) - When used with TCP/IP over MOST, QNX TDP reduces hardware costs and maximizes use of CPU resources by allowing media to be shared by all devices in the MOST network, even very thin clients.
Availability
The QNX MOST Technology Development Kit is scheduled for commercial release in Q1 2005.
About MOST
MOST is a multimedia fiber-optic network optimized for automotive applications. The network was founded in 1998 by many of the leading automotive manufacturers and vendors developing telematics solutions for the automobile industry, including Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Harman/Becker, Motorola, Oasis Silicon Systems, Johnson Controls, and Delphi-Delco. MOST is rapidly becoming a de facto auto industry standard for building multimedia networking products.
About QNX Software Systems
With millions of installations worldwide, QNX Software Systems is the global leader in realtime, microkernel operating system technology. Companies like Cisco, DaimlerChrysler, Harris, Panasonic, Siemens, and General Electric rely on QNX technology to build ultra-reliable systems for the networking, automotive, medical, military, and industrial automation markets. Founded in 1980, QNX Software Systems maintains offices throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
Editorial Contact
Paul Leroux
QNX Software Systems
+1 613 591-0931
paull@qnx.com
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