Which hardware

QNX Newsgroups (Archives) qdn.public.qnxrtp.embedded
1

Hi,

Currently we are investigating if QNX RTP 6 can be used for our
to-be-developed controller achitecture. One of the issues to the
hardware platform. I know that there is a list of supported hardware,
but I just would like to hear some ideas from the ones that use it for
some time now.

The idea is to use java with realtime extentions to develop the
software. The target platform must be disc-less, so it should run from
flash eprom. The purpose is process control, so the hardware should be
expandable with analog and digital I/O cards, network cards for
devicenet, etc.

Due to the fact that a java VM will be running, there are additional
RAM and speed requirements. I think the lower limit for available RAM
is 128 MB (+ 256 MB for Flash).

Last, but certainly not least: The hardware must be available for a
couple of years. If possible the same hardware.
We are looking for some kind of ‘industrial’ embedded PC. Processor
type is at this moment not really an issue.

Well, whole story. Any suggestions for a good, reliable hardware
platform that meets our requirements ?

TIA,
Johan

2

What form factor do you have in mind? If you think of CompactPCI (which is
what I’d think of) then you’re looking at either x86 or PPC architecture. I
understand there’s lots of vendors who make chassis and single board
computers in that format. I can only comment on what we use and that is our
own (Motorola) hardware. I am not in sales and not even in sector which
makes that hardware (Motorola Computer Group) so I won’t be benefiting from
this plug in any way :wink:

Pros:

  • Variety (both x86 and PPC, both master and non-master versions)

  • Decent specs (mobile P3-700 or PPC 7410 (aka G4), 512Mb or RAM)

  • good built-in peripherials (dual 82559 NIC, CompactFlash, video (intel),
    USB) in single 6U slot form factor

  • PMC slot available on board for extra hardware (SCSI, etc)

  • 6 more 6U carrier slots are available in each domain for other
    peripherials

  • can be configured for 1 SBC to own both domains if you don’t want
    redundancy

  • hot-swap rackmount chassis (dual CPU boards with two I/O domains) with 3
    redundant power supplies

  • 4x5.25" + 2x3.5" drive bays

  • strict manufacturing standards (thermal/vibration/humidity/EMI testing &
    certification);

  • brand name, long term availability, support :wink:

  • we use it (so you won’t be the only one using it with QNX)

  • QNX has it in house and has established relations with manufacturer

  • standard QNX version installs on x86 version, BSP packages for PPC
    versions are available from QNX too

  • Cons:

  • mechanical design of chassis could be nicer (drive bays are somewhat hard
    to service, power switch is on the back, some rough metal edges);

  • redundant configuration is not really supported by QNX, you’d have to do
    custom work;

  • videocard was no supported by Photon last time I checked;

  • parts can be pricey, but you only really need SBC and chassis the rest are
    commodity stuff :wink:

You can search Motorola’s site for CPX8216 (chassis), CPV5370 (x86 SBC),
MCPN765 (PPC SBC).

– igor

“Johan Siegers” <jsiegers@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:3c88d5b8.3808416@inn.qnx.com…

Hi,

Currently we are investigating if QNX RTP 6 can be used for our
to-be-developed controller achitecture. One of the issues to the
hardware platform. I know that there is a list of supported hardware,
but I just would like to hear some ideas from the ones that use it for
some time now.

The idea is to use java with realtime extentions to develop the
software. The target platform must be disc-less, so it should run from
flash eprom. The purpose is process control, so the hardware should be
expandable with analog and digital I/O cards, network cards for
devicenet, etc.

Due to the fact that a java VM will be running, there are additional
RAM and speed requirements. I think the lower limit for available RAM
is 128 MB (+ 256 MB for Flash).

Last, but certainly not least: The hardware must be available for a
couple of years. If possible the same hardware.
We are looking for some kind of ‘industrial’ embedded PC. Processor
type is at this moment not really an issue.

Well, whole story. Any suggestions for a good, reliable hardware
platform that meets our requirements ?

TIA,
Johan