Embedded systems solution for industrial automation applications

Mentor Graphics' Mentor Embedded Linux (MEL) platform has been updated to Yocto 2.0 and expanded to include security enhancements that are designed to protect data and process interactions.

By Mentor Graphics February 18, 2016

Mentor Graphics’ (NASDAQ: MENT) Mentor Embedded Linux (MEL) platform has been updated to Yocto 2.0 and expanded to include security enhancements and additional industrial protocols. The release includes Wurldtech Achilles Communications Certification Level 1 and Level 2, the industry benchmark for securing industrial connected devices. This certification protects the critical embedded infrastructure, reducing risks of cyber security threats and attacks.

It also features simplified mandatory access control kernel (SMACK), which is a Linux kernel security module designed to protect data and process interactions from malicious manipulation by using a set of custom mandatory access control rules. SMACK consists of a Linux security module for file systems; a startup script to ensure correct SMACK attributes for configuration; and a set of patches to the GNU core utilities package for SMACK communications. 

In addition to the new security features, additional industrial protocols are now available such as CANopen, IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The MEL platform also supports the Yocto Project 2.0 (AKA "Jethro"), the latest version of open source comprising interoperable tools, metadata, and processes for the rapid, repeatable development of Linux-based embedded systems. Components of Yocto 2.0 Project for this release include: GCC 5.2; toaster support. The Sourcery CodeBench IDE has been extended to support kernel and kernel module debug using the ARM DSTREAM JTAG device and application development support using a Microsoft Windows host.

Mentor Graphics

EDA Software, Hardware & Tools | Siemens Software 

– Edited by CFE Media. See more Control Engineering embedded system products.