Embedded controllers have always been our favorite projects. We enjoy the opportunities they provide for working together with the hardware engineers. It is also very satisfying to be able to develop the firmware package in its entirety.
Encryption
|
On behalf of Koolspan, we have developed a low cost encryption processor, which can serve as a "bump in the cable" between a secured environment and an interface to an unsecured environment. Working with our hardware partner, Advanced Logical Design, we implemented this with an Altera Nios processor in a very low cost FPGA. The use of a commercial, off the shelf, soft core logic together with an open source RTOS and networking stack led to a very rapid product development. |
Fingerprint
|
On behalf of Identix, we have developed three generations of DSP-based fingerprint scanners. The current generation uses an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface, with real-time isochronous display of prints being rolled. The most recent version of this hardware is based on a TMS 320c6415. |
Laser Amplifier |
We started this project with SDL, Inc., and continued it with JDS Uniphase after the two companies merged. We had responsibility for the overall controller, which was implemented with an HC16 processor. Two custom versions of the software were developed for large network customers. |
Gray Scale
|
We worked with Identix to design and implement their proprietary gray scale interface for rendering fingerprint images. This involved initial specification of the technology to be employed, implementation of coprocessor firmware, and ongoing assistance in calibrations. Several generations of this product have been developed. The latest was implemented with an Intel 80303 |
|
We are currently working on the development of a charger that implements our client's proprietary algorithm for achieving optimum charge of a lead acid battery. Digital filtering technology is being employed on HC08 processor to detect subtle changes in battery behavior that indicate the state of charge. |
Flash Memory Floppy
|
Using flash memories and an 80188 CPU, we developed firmware to emulate the behavior of a floppy disk drive. This system, designed for a 3Com router, significantly increased the reliability of routing table storage, while requiring no hardware changes in the router itself. A patent was awarded for the design. |
When we work with our clients on larger systems, we usually make our contribution at or near the hardware/software boundary.
Printer Platform |
We helped Adobe port their embedded PostScript and PDF printing product to a MIPS/VxWorks platform. This is a reference platform, allowing Adobe to perform QA on the product in an environment similar to that used by their OEM customers. |
Scanner Drivers |
ActionPoint of San Jose makes scanner control software for high volume applications. We have helped them develop many of the drivers that interface individual scanners to their product. |
Data Compression |
We worked with Cosine Communications on the interface of data compression hardware to a their routing engine. |
Handheld Computing |
We designed and implemented the I/O layer of an MC68328 based pager. This included interfaces to the LCD, the touchscreen, the paging radios, and several other devices. |
ATM |
On behalf of 3Com's Network Systems Division, we have implemented drivers for three generations of ATM interfaces in their high speed routers. In these projects we had the opportunity to be involved all the way from the initial hardware bringup through QA and manufacturing. |
Communications and Printing Daemons |
We helped Identix control proprietary gray-scale printing and high speed image communications in NT, OS/2, and UNIX environments. The daemons manage lengthy, high speed I/O processes in parallel with image capture and transformations. |
All the engineers in our firm are programmers, but we have always worked very close to the hardware. Everyone in the shop knows how to operate common hardware instruments such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers. We are all comfortable reading schematics, data sheets and hardware manuals. While these skills were developed in conjunction with our work in embedded controllers and device drivers, some customers seek us out to solely for work in support of hardware development and testing.
Logic Analyzer
|
As an outgrowth of our involvement with logic analyzers and microcomputer emulators, we have developed several inverse assemblers for Hewlett-Packard logic analyzers. |
Time
|
We helped Guide Technologies develop a functional tester for their sub-nanosecond time measurement system. This work was based on the National Instruments TestStand. |
Printer
|
For several years we supplied diagnostics for Apple's laser printer products. This work included support for the initial bring-up of the controller boards, power-on self tests, field engineering tests, and manufacturing tests. Some of the most interesting work has been related to the initial testing of their custom ASICs. |
[ Home | Our Clients | Doing Business With Us ]