World's First Convergent RTOS from Quadros Systems Supports Analog Devices' Blackfin Processor.

HOUSTON -- RTXC/dm--a unique Dual-Mode RTOS--delivers a fully optimized development and run-time environment for ADI's Blackfin(R) processor with its unified single core RISC/DSP architecture

Quadros Systems, Inc., a leading supplier of configurable and scaleable real-time operating systems (RTOS), today announced RTXC/dm, the first RTOS that combines a traditional task-based kernel architecture for real-time control processing with a specialized executive for DSP and dataflow operations using a common API. This unified RTOS solution enables both types of application code to run fully optimized on a single processor. The development of this innovative RTOS technology by Quadros Systems. has been driven by a fast growing demand for support of this new generation of convergent processor architectures.

Gerald McGuire, General Manager of Media Platforms & Services Group at Analog Devices, welcomed the availability of RTXC/dm for Blackfin: "This Quadros RTOS with its innovative dual mode technology is the first operating system designed to take maximum advantage of the unified control and signal processing capabilities of the Blackfin processor architecture. The single core convergent approach for ADI's Blackfin processor offers more flexibility and simplicity at a lower cost for a wide range of applications--from traditional industrial control to embedded media applications"

New convergent architectures, such as ADI's Blackfin processor, are rapidly gaining market share in high-volume consumer multimedia electronics applications, one of the most rapidly growing segments in embedded systems development. Such next-generation devices merge the power and flexibility of a RISC engine and a DSP processor into a single unified core, thus greatly reducing hardware cost, power consumption and software complexity.

Previously, to develop applications using these convergent processors, the developer had to choose between an RTOS optimized for a real-time control with an event-based processing model, or one designed to support a dataflow-intensive DSP model. The dual-mode RTXC/dm from Quadros is the first RTOS to elminate this problem by enabling optimized real-time execution for both RISC and DSP code.

A conventional RTOS for a RISC processor provides an optimized environment for asynchronous, event-driven application tasks typical of control applications. DSP code, on the other hand, needs to execute a tight set of repetitive data manipulation functions to completion within a defined timeframe, and must respond rapidly to changing data sets. In signal processing and dataflow processing, a specialized lightweight executive with minimal context, allows the DSP code to execute with maximum efficiency.

When DSP application code is executed using a traditional task-based kernel, processing efficiency and overall data throughput can be adversely affected. Conversely, if control system application code runs in an executive designed for DSP and dataflow processing, the application will likely be affected by delayed responses to asynchronous events in the system. Other undesirable effects can include code bloat, poor latency performance, and extended development schedules.

Low-cost, low-power convergent applications cannot afford the performance hit of these inefficiencies. It is important for the application developer to concurrently manage high-speed dataflow processes and event-driven control processes, and to do so as efficiently as if each were running on a dedicated MCU or DSP.

RTXC/dm is the first RTOS to specifically to address this problem. Its dual-mode architecture has been designed to deliver optimum performance for users of convergent RISC/DSP processors. By combining a lightweight executive requiring minimal context for DSP threads with a protected prioritized, preemptive kernel for event-driven tasks, RTXC/dm ensures that both RISC and DSP application code execute with maximum efficiency.

Price and Availability

The RTXC/dm is available immediately and is priced starting at $15,500 for a single project license. For more information about RTXC/dm visit www.quadros.com/products.

About the RTXC Quadros Family of Real-time Operating Systems

RTXC/dm is one of four highly scalable real-time operating systems in the RTXC Quadros family, offering distinct performance advantages for each of the major processing models. RTXC/ss (single stack) utilizes a lightweight specialized executive to support high data rate and signal processing applications. RTXC/ms (multi-stack) is optimized for control processing using an event-driven, prioritized, preemptive scheduler. RTXC/dm (dual mode) marries RTXC/ms and RTXC/ss and is ideal for convergent processing applications which combine DSP/dataflow and RISC/control processing in a single-core architecture. Both RTXC/ms and RTXC/dm are brought together under RTXC/mp (multiprocessing) in various combinations to support multicore and multiprocessor implementations.

About Quadros, Systems, Inc.

Quadros Systems, Inc. develops and markets RTXC technology, bringing together RTOS, hardware and software professionals into one development team to provide innovative technology that maximizes real-time responsiveness and eases the development process for customers. In addition to the RTXC RTOS family, Quadros Systems offers a wide range of communications stacks and middleware including RTXC Quadnet (a suite of integrated communications protocols) and RTXCflashfile (a high performance file system for resident flash devices). RTXC products have been deployed worldwide in thousands of embedded systems, serving markets such as communications, medical, and industrial automation. For more information, contact Quadros Systems, Inc. at 832-351-2830, Quadros Systems Europe at [phone] or visit www.quadros.com.

RTXC, Quadros, Quadnet, and RTXCflashfile are trademarks of Quadros Systems, Inc. All other tradenames and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (C) 2004, Quadros Systems, Inc., all rights reserved.