Zilog releases free ZTP, RZK software for its microcontrollers

San Jose, CA—Zilog Inc. reports that it has launched a new version of its integrated, preemptive-multitasking OS and TCP/IP protocol software for its eZ80Acclaim 8-bit Flash microcontrollers (MCUs). The new release, ZTP 1.5, is available free of charge to registered users.

By Control Engineering Staff May 10, 2005

San Jose, CA— Zilog Inc. reports that it has launched a new version of its integrated, preemptive-multitasking OS and TCP/IP protocol software for its eZ80Acclaim 8-bit Flash microcontrollers (MCUs). The new release, ZTP 1.5, is available free of charge to registered users.

When used in conjunction with eZ80Acclaim MCUs, the turnkey ZTP software suite provides an embedded networking solution for many applications, including industrial control, automation, facility management, IP appliances, and remote systems communication. Powered by Zilog’s new RZK 1.2 real-time kernel, ZTP reportedly offers full-feature operating systems services in addition to network services.

‘In keeping with previous versions, ZTP 1.5 is scalable, modular, and user friendly, and reduces time-to-market and product development cost,’ says Ramesh Ramchandani, Zilog’s sales and marketing executive VP. ‘It continues to offer a rich set of features, which have been highly optimized for the stringent memory and performance requirements of typical 8-bit embedded applications.’

Zilog says its ZTP stack has been in use for two years. The new release reportedly improves ease of use by using Zilog’s ZDS II integrated development environment (IDE) tool chain. For example, when porting ZTP code to a user’s application board, ZDS II automatically handles the hardware configuration using a preset XML configuration file. There is no need to modify the project files.

In addition, ZTP 1.5 follows the same startup and initialization procedure as the ZDS II. In addition, ZTP 1.5 provides an easy migration path using previous versions. The application programming interface (API), improved TCP/IP stack, and real-time kernel performance of ZTP 1.5 helps accelerate application development, enabling users to rapidly deploy their solutions in time-critical applications. ZTP 1.5 also offers data persistence for customers’ static IP parameters.

Likewise, the new RZK 1.2 real-time kernel, designed for time-critical embedded control applications, now extends the Flash file system to support external Flash parts from AMD, Atmel and Micron. Flash driver code is provided with the option to modify the source code for other Flash chips of customer choice. Other new features include a more reliable UART driver, improved interrupt latency and better overall system performance.

Available immediately, ZTP 1.5 object code package (part number EZ800000100STO) and RZK 1.2 object code package (part number EZ800000100KRO) can be downloaded free of charge by registered customers of the eZ80Acclaim Flash MCUs.

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com


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