Embedded Planet Announces VxWorks Planet

Complete VxWorks Based Motorola PowerPC Development System

San Francisco, CA, 9 April 2001 -- Embedded Planet today announced the availability of the VxWorks Planet, a complete VxWorks target system with a Motorola PowerPC 860, graphics module, and a complete VxWorks Board Support Package for both modules.

Design - your software application quickly with Wind River VxWorks and the 860 PowerPC based CLLF.
Develop - prototypes and debug your applications with VxWorks and the boot loader, diagnostics and utilities in our PlanetCore software.
Deploy - our proven computing engines and software in your end product and meet your networking application market requirements on time and within budget.

Developing networking applications using the power of the 860 processor or graphic applications using the Epson controller has never been easier.

The VxWorks Planet combines the CLLF Motorola PowerPC 860 based computing engine, ECCX Epson SED1386 based graphics I/O module and Wind River VxWorks to create an easy to use embedded software development system. The Planet integrates all of the features of the PowerQUICC technology that exist on the CLLF computing engine with ECCX module and the required VxWorks drivers. This combination allows application software developers to begin work at the same time hardware development begins rather than waiting for prototype units. In addition, the Planet creates a highly integrated hardware and software development system. The Planet architecture provides production-ready quality, reduces Time-To-Market and increase product reliability. Target applications include networking and telecommunications, handheld computing devices, test & measurement and factory automation.

"The Planet integrates production-ready components into a complete solution to allowing rapid application development", stated Embedded Planet CEO, Mark Lowdermilk. "The Motorola PowerPC and VxWorks combination is a leader in the networking and telecommunication market space and our Planet offering will make development of these systems much easier. Designers will have additional flexibility and improved connectivity options enabled the hardware and software."

The VxWorks Planet comes with the CLLF module, ECCX card, PlanetCore diagnostic software, a CD-ROM containing documentation. The CD contains all set-up information for the modules included, software installation, and use the Planet. The CD also contains hardware / firmware development information and expansion guidelines for interfacing custom modules. Client also has access to quick and thorough technical support via PlanetTrack, Embedded Planet's web-enabled client support system.

VxWorks and PlanetCore

PlanetCore allows the developer to boot VxWorks from flash, serial or Ethernet, and run diagnostics for the CLLF and ECCX modules. The Board Support Package for the 860 PowerPC leverages the power of Embedded Planet's PlanetCore suite of firmware and diagnostic software. The PlanetCore bootloader accelerates development by downloading new system images via serial or Ethernet, and performing all board-specific initialization. The PlanetCore flash burner allows simple updating of flash-resident kernel images.

VxWorks Planet Features

The VxWorks Planet has the following feature set:

  • Supports VxWorks 4.5 and Tornado II IDE
  • Complete support for RPX CLLF 860 PowerPC
  • LCD/VGA via our ECCX Epson graphics module
  • Interface into PlanetCore software for direct access to hardware
  • Supports flash boot and loading images via Ethernet and serial

VxWorks drivers include:

  • 10BaseT/100BaseT Ethernet drivers
  • LCD/VGA driver for Epson SED1386 with 6.5 inch, 640x480 LCD TFT color display
  • Touch screen with standard 4-wire SPI interface
  • Serial
  • NVRAM/RTC

Pricing & Availability

The Embedded Planet VxWorks Planet, complete with PlanetCore software and support documentation, may be ordered now, with shipments expected in Q2 2001. Suggested starting price for a single unit is US $4495.00.

About Embedded Planet

Founded in 1997, Embedded Planet has pioneered software development systems used to design, develop and deploy Internet infrastructure devices. The company provides PC/104 form factor computing solutions for Motorola PowerPC 823, 823e, 850, 855, 860, 8255 and 8260 as well as the IBM PowerPC 405GP. Each computing engine includes Embedded Planet's PlanetCore, which provides firmware and utilities for burning flash, booting the target operating system, setup, diagnostics and utilities of the hardware. In addition to the computing engines, we manufacturer a comprehensive product line of I/O modules, firmware and peripherals that deliver complete life cycle solutions to embedded applications developers. Embedded Planet also provides system design work, including access to Embedded Planet intellectual property, component solutions and development of turnkey products. For additional information about Embedded Planet visit our website: www.embeddedplanet.com.

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