FTF 2005: Quadros Systems supports latest ColdFire processors

At Freescale Technology Forum (FTF) in Orlando in late June 2005, Quadros Systems Inc., a leading supplier of configurable and scalable real-time operating systems (RTOSs), announced RTOS support for the latest addition to Freescale’s ColdFire product line: the MCF521x family of microcontrollers.

By Control Engineering Staff July 14, 2005
Quadros Systems’ RTOS is scalable across theFreescale ColdFire family, helping to reduce the learning curve for new projects and preserving application code.

At Freescale Technology Forum (FTF) in Orlando in late June 2005, Quadros Systems Inc. , a leading supplier of configurable and scalable real-time operating systems (RTOSs), announced RTOS support for the latest addition to Freescale’s ColdFire product line: the MCF521x family of microcontrollers. The company’s operating system—RTXC Quadros RTOS—and integrated middleware reportedly enable developers to better use MCF521x family’s hardware features. This includes ability to run the RTOS and application software on one chip, without external memory.

Developers looking to move up to a 32-bit platform will find MCF521x processors an “ideal choice,” due to its large integrated flash and RAM, multiple communications interfaces, and an “attractive price point,” according to Quadros. “The small, scalable footprint of RTXC Quadros RTOS enables developers to use these processors in single-chip mode with no external memory, speeding application execution time, and reducing system cost.”

Combined features of MCF521x microcontrollers and RTXC software are said to suit various cost-sensitive networked applications, which include industrial control and factory automation, building controls, remote sensing and monitoring, and biometrics. Quadros also offers an extensive suite of middleware integrated with its operating system, including RTXC Quadnet TCP/IP, IPsec/IKE security module, RTXCflashfile, CAN (Control Area Network), and USB.

—Frank J. Bartos, executive editor, Control Engineering, fbartos@reedbusiness.com