OPERATING SYSTEM SOLUTIONS

Windows® Embedded OS Cuts Costs, Speeds Development

In today’s embedded systems, software support and integration is every bit as important as hardware selection. Arrow Northern Europe meets these needs with a full range of embedded processing hardware, backed with support for Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 is more than just an operating system: it encompasses a full development platform designed for small footprint devices. With a 32-bit native, hard real time, small footprint operating system, unified kernel, and familiar embedded development tools, it can be used in applications ranging from power-constrained GPS handhelds to mission-critical industrial controllers.

The Windows Embedded CE 6.0 kernel has been re-designed to improve end product functionality by enabling a larger number of applications to run simultaneously: it supports up to 32,000 simultaneous processes, each of which can be provided with up to 2GByte of virtual memory space. A new file system supports larger storage media, large file sizes and removable media encryption.



Developers can use Platform Builder for CE 6.0, a plug-in for the Visual Studio 2005 development environment, to create customised operating system designs. Platform Builder includes tools for run-time analysis, device emulation, compilation and debugging, and allows a single environment to be used for the development of both application and operating system software. Access to Windows Embedded CE 6.0 source code permits modification of the operating system and creation of differentiated feature sets.

Production-quality device drivers and middleware allow designers to focus resources on product design and innovation. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 provides the additional advantage of compatibility with existing Microsoft technologies, in particular network and connectivity functions and web services.



Windows Embedded CE 6.0 supports designers using x86, ARM, MIPS and SH4 architectures. For instance, it is ideal for use with an ARM-based digital media processor such as the latest Texas Instruments DaVinci™ TMS320DM355.

Based on the ARM926EJ-S core, the TMS320DM355 combines HD video performance with extended battery life. The device features an integrated video processing subsystem, an MPEG-4/JPEG CoProcessor (MJCP) and a variety of peripherals.



By offering a single source for both the processor technology and the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 operating system and development tools, Arrow can help customers rapidly develop a wide range of HD products ranging from digital cameras and IP video cameras to digital photo frames and video baby monitors.

An evaluation version of Windows Embedded CE 6.0 offers the opportunity to start building and testing software for 180 days before making any purchasing decisions. A per-unit runtime licensing model with tiered volume discounts further reduces up-front expenditure and reduces break-even production volume.

Features

• Embedded OS with integrated development tools
• Small footprint
  • Scalable with functionality
• Multi-threaded, pre-emptive kernel
• Up to 32,000 simultaneous processes
• Up to 2GByte address space per process
• Production quality device drivers and middleware
• Compatibility with other Microsoft technologies
• Supports x86, ARM, MIPS and SH4 designs
• Source code access
• Free 180-day trial

Applications

• Industrial systems
• Set-top boxes
• Thin clients
• Digital media adapters
• Voice-over-IP (VoIP) phones
• Navigation devices
• Medical devices
• Portable media players
• Home gateways
• Digital cameras
• Networked digital televisions
• PDAs
• GPS handhelds

For further information, including Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Datasheets, the TMS320DM355 Product Overview and a copy of the Arrow Advanced Embedded Solutions Catalogue (which provides details of Arrow’s Microsoft Embedded OS offering as well as complementary platform technologies for embedded designs), please click here