Posted by Martin Welford & filed under Topaz, Windows CE.

New Windows CE release for Topaz

GuruCE have released an update for their Windows CE support on Topaz.

The new update includes a fully configurable GPIO driver and updated SDK libraries.  There is also access to CAN, SPI and GPT drivers from your application.

The update page includes an image you can flash into your Topaz (using the Topaz Flasher application), a getting started guide, and a binary Board Support Package (BSP) which you can use to create a custom Windows CE image.  GuruCE can also support the BSP in source form along with custom development services and support.  Pricing for these options is on the GuruCE Topaz web page.

Posted by Martin Welford & filed under .NET Micro Framework, Topaz.

New book: Professional’s Guide to .NET Micro Framework Application Development

PGNTMF 1 250

If you are doing .NET Micro Framework development, then this new book from Sean Liming and John Malin is essential for your (virtual) bookshelf.  Covering the basics of application development  from the processing loop, through to graphics and networking, it is a valuable reference and time-saver.  There are over 40 projects so you are never short of an example on how to actually do something! Several of these are specifically for Device Solutions hardware, including graphics examples on the Topaz i.MX25 Development Kit.

The book is available in Kindle format from Amazon.   If you don’t have a Kindle, the PC version is free (and probably the best way to read technical books).

Posted by Martin Welford & filed under Topaz, Windows CE.

Topaz Windows CE update from GuruCE

GuruCE have released an update to the Topaz BSP for Windows CE 6.0.  The best new feature is support for a splash screen on boot.  This is very simple to use – just pick an image and download using the updated Topaz Flasher.

The release also includes updates to the FlexCAN driver and serveral other features and fixes.

You can download the binary BSP and pre-built Topaz i.MX25 Development Kit image here.

Posted by Martin Welford & filed under Events.

Freescale Technology Forum 2012

Freescale Technology Forum 2012 - Powering Innovation

We will be in San Antonio next month (18-21 June) for the Freescale Technology Forum.  This conference  has heaps of high quality technical content as well as experts to answer the tricky questions.  The location is also fantastic – especially for those of us currently experiencing the start of winter!

We won’t have a booth but would love to meet up if you are going to be there.  Please drop us a note on our contact page, and we will setup a time to get together.

Posted by Martin Welford & filed under Linux, Topaz, Windows CE.

Announcing the Topaz SO-DIMM module

TopazSO-DIMM

Meet the latest addition to the device solutions module family: the Topaz i.MX25 CPU module in a plug-in, 200-pin SO-DIMM form factor.

This is the same circuit as the surface-mount version, so transitioning a design from one to the other is easy.

It also has the same world-class operating system support for Windows Embedded CE from GuruCE and Linux from Trygtech.

The new form-factor offers excellent flexibility for prototyping new designs, and makes production easier – especially for low-volume products. The surface-mount module is still available and ideal for applications that need a low profile module, or operate in high-vibration environments.

The Topaz web page has all the details including an updated Technical Reference Manual and schematic library symbols.

Contact us for samples – they are in stock now!

Posted by Martin Welford & filed under Linux, Opal, Windows CE.

Announcing the Opal i.MX53 CPU Module

Module-TopWe are very pleased to announce the Opal i.MX53 CPU Module and Development Kit.

Opal is based on the Freescale i.MX53 processor, and includes up to 1GB DDR3 RAM, NAND flash, power management and an Ethernet PHY. It uses two 168-pin HiRose connectors to interface to a product-specific board.

Opal is perfect for devices that have demanding graphics requirements. The i.MX53 supports multiple displays, and includes outputs for TFT LCD panels with parallel and LVDS interfaces, as well as support for analog VGA. There is hardware acceleration for video as well as 2D and 3D graphics up to 1080p.

Connectivity highlights include Ethernet, USB and FlexCAN, as well as the usual embedded interfaces like serial, I2C and SPI.

Module-BottomOpal is a 60mmx60mm plug-in module. With complex processors like the i.MX53, it can be difficult to strike a balance between exposing all the features, system cost, physical size and mechanical strength. We think the Opal form-factor achieves this for the types of industrial, automotive and medical devices our customers create.

For the development kit, we have gone with the “more is more” approach :-) and included Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. There is also support for 2 LVDS panels (you can connect the Freescale 10.1″ panel used for the Quick Start Board), 7″ touch-screen LCD, CAN transceivers and digital I/O.

Another feature we hope will be useful on the development kit is the USB to serial converter for the debug serial port – you no longer have to go looking for your adapter!

Initial operating system support will be for Windows Embedded Compact 7 from GuruCE, with Linux and Android to follow from Trygtech.

We will have hardware available in July for beta customers with full availability shortly after that. If you think Opal might fit your application we would love to hear from you, and get you on the list for a beta unit.

Posted by Martin Welford & filed under Linux, Opal, Topaz, Windows CE.

FAQ: Designing with Device Solutions Processor Modules

OpalModule-Top  TopazCPUModule-Top  TopazSO-DIMM

Designing with a processor module is about more than making sure the technical specs meet your needs.  Hardware and software design support are essential to making projects successful.

We have put together some of the frequently asked questions to give you an idea of how the design process works with our modules.  It includes hardware design and the support we provide, operating system support and how that is delivered in conjunction with our software partners, and manufacturing questions.

We are pretty sure this document is not going to answer all your questions, but even if it does, we would love to talk to you about your project. 

Posted by Martin Welford & filed under Linux, Opal, Topaz, Windows CE.

Partners

 

Partners

“Focus on what you are good at” is a message we give our customers all the time.  When designing embedded products, starting with a processor module lets you do just that.  We try to do the same in our business, and partner with other companies so that we can focus on designing and manufacturing the best modules.

We recently added a Partners page to our web site that highlights the companies we are working with.  Some have been visible on our web site before, like GuruCE and Trygtech who provide Operating System ports. 

A new section is our System Integrators.  These are companies who have experience in designing with our modules and provide turn-key product development. If you are looking for help with your new project, get in touch directly or contact us for an introduction.

Posted by Martin Welford & filed under Opal, Windows CE.

Opal Videos

We have created a couple of videos demonstrating specific features on the Opal Development Kit.  They cover the display options, and the USB/Serial debug interface we have on the kit.

There are some more videos in the works which will be online in January.  If there is anything specific you want us to highlight in future videos, let us know!

Display Options

USB/Serial Debug Feature