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Software Support
PowerPact6 software support options include Built In Test (BIT) and PPCBoot firmware, plus BSPs and
ESPs for VxWorks/Tornado from Wind River Systems, LynxOS from LynuxWorks and Integrity from
Green Hills Software Inc.
Built In Test
BIT provides initialization test for all on-board functional areas of the PowerPact6 processors. Highest
possible coverage (95%) is achieved by the use of intrusive testing, with BIT assuming exclusive use of
device resources. BIT executes before any COTS O/S, and passes control to the O/S on completion.
Testing in conjunction with a COTS O/S is accomplished by BCS (see below).
BIT is a highly configurable component, with options for individual tests and sub-tests. System-wide
coverage to Radstone PMCs or other Radstone VME boards is supported. Custom tests for bespoke
equipment can readily be added. In addition to visual indication, test results can be stored in Flash for
later analysis by the application.
Background Condition Screening (BCS)
BCS provides continuous, on-line health monitoring. It runs as a task thread, featuring non-intrusive tests
that are specifically designed to be co-operative with the normal functioning of the COTS O/S that is
running the application. In addition to having minimal impact on system latency, this method avoids a
difficulty that arises when ‘calling back’ into a traditional, stand-alone test firmware, written in
ignorance of the O/S and probably assuming exclusive use of board resources. Such firmware may not
guarantee the restoration of the entire and complex machine state as the O/S left it. BCS works chiefly
through O/S mechanisms and does not compromise the machine state imposed by the O/S.
Radstone’s BCS for VxWorks is downloadable or can be linked to the VxWorks executable image. It can
be launched from the VxWorks shell or from an application. Configuration is via the Tornado Project
Tool. Configurable parameters include the BCS task priority, plus various test options and other
characteristics. An error log is stored in Flash, in addition to visual indication of a detected failure. An
application interface is provided for immediate invocation of individual tests in addition to the default
running of tests in background mode.
PPCBoot Firmware
The PPCBoot firmware provides a foundation layer to interface between the raw Radstone board
hardware, with its highly programmable device set-ups and flexibility, and the supported Operating
Systems, which require a straight-forward booting and device interface model.
The PPCBoot Firmware allows booting from a range of device types and includes comprehensive
configuration facilities and other valuable features for system integrators.
Operating System Support
In-house porting expertise for PowerPC based boards is focused on key operating systems, including
Wind River Systems’ VxWorks/Tornado, LynuxWorks’ LynxOS and Green Hills’ Integrity. Other
operating system ports, drivers for third party hardware and layered products are provided through
strategic partnerships with dedicated third party vendors, able to offer high quality products and services
complementary to the Radstone range. In this way, state of the art development environments and debug
tools that are part of these software-products are made available for use on Radstone’s flexible hardware
architectures.
Please contact Radstone for availability of other operating systems in addition to the standard VxWorks,
LynxOS and Integrity offerings.
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