SYSTEMS

McObject and Germany's mycable GmbH announced they will release a joint SPEED (Small Profile Embedded Engine for Devices) Kit for data-intensive, Linux-based applications running on intelligent devices. The kit combines McObject's eXtremeDB in-memory embedded database with mycable's XXS1500 Linux/MIPS System, along with reference applications to streamline development in key markets including multimedia, monitoring and control systems. By assembling and integrating best-in-class software and hardware, the SPEED Kit reduces manufacturers' time-to-market for products including consumer electronics, monitoring and intelligent industrial controllers. Through the two products' uniquely frugal resource requirements, the kit adds the critical advantage of lower component cost, both for prototypes and for mass-produced end-user devices. Priced at $950, the SPEED Kit includes one developer's license for McObject's tiny-footprint eXtremeDB database with XML extensions, mycable's XXS1500 hardware platform based on AMD's Alchemy Au1500 MIPS32 architecture system-on-chip processor, as well as a complete tool chain, rugged open source Linux MIPS OS, and reference applications with source code. The SPEED Kit is available through both companies' existing distribution channels. Even when offered separately -- at a higher price -- these components' technical capabilities place them on the short list of components for sophisticated embedded devices. eXtremeDB's support for transactions safeguards data integrity, and a design optimized for in-memory deployment provides the responsiveness lacking in traditional, disk-based databases. eXtremeDB's minimal RAM and CPU demands reduce hardware costs for devices, giving manufacturers an important marketplace edge. mycable's XXS1500 similarly reduces devices' manufacturing and operational costs, through passive cooling and a power requirement of just three watts. Yet the system provides for powerful and feature-rich devices, offering up to 128 MB of SDRAM, 16MB flash memory, 2 Fast Ethernet ports, USB 1.1 host port, USB 1.1 device port, 2 RS232 ports, CompactFlash slot, stereo audio in/out (AC97-codec), and a PCI expansion bus. mycable also offers a device case with room for up to three XXS modules, connected through an integrated backplane. The case includes an additional Mini PCI slot for use with a wireless LAN card. The case and configurations based on it target highly integrated prototyping as well as end-user products for consumer electronics, multimedia "infotainment," and wireless networking applications. Recent enhancements to the XXS1500 include an optional graphics card based on Fujitsu's Coral-P 2D/3D graphics accelerator with geometry engine and alpha blending. Companies have recognized eXtremeDB's and the XXS1500's value by choosing them for demanding, high-profile applications. Genesis Microchip, a leading provider of display image processors, selected McObject's database for its flat panel television applications. Boeing recently chose the XML-enabled, High Availability version of eXtremeDB for R&D-stage improvements to its industry-leading AH-64D Apache Longbow combat helicopter. Manufacturers using mycable's XSS1500 include Bosch IT (industrial and office router), NetBeat AG (SOHO router), and AMD (reference design kit/development platform for car navigation and multimedia). "The XXS1500 from mycable is an exceptionally well-conceived hardware platform for implementation of new embedded system prototypes and OEM devices. The SPEED Kit, with included eXtremeDB reference designs for consumer electronics, monitoring, and industrial control, gives designers a head start that can determine an embedded systems product's market success," said Steve Graves, CEO of McObject. "McObject's eXtremeDB fills a significant gap that we have observed in high-end embedded multimedia and control products -- a need for sophisticated and proven data management that is, unfortunately, often recognized late in a project. eXtremeDB has also achieved in software what mycable's XXS1500 has in hardware: the combination of high performance, system integration, and reliability with an absolute minimum use of resources. So the SPEED kit offers potential to developers that is unique in the embedded systems area," said Michael Carstens-Behrens, managing director of mycable.