aJile Systems has demonstrated a Java processor which will run real-time applications.
As a Java direct-execution processor, the aJ-102 executes Java bytecode natively instead of via an interpreter.
This differentiates the aJile processor from ARM or Intel cores which require that Java is translated in to an intermediate machine language before running. It can also lead to processing speed and power savings.
Another interesting feature is a real-time operating system (RTOS) written entirely in Java. No third party software licence is required.
The RTOS executes real-time Java threading primitives which has clear benefits for context switching and interrupt handling, which are so important for real-time operations.
The RTOS includes industry standard OSGi middleware, JME APIs, network stack, file system, security framework, a suite of software drivers, and real-time kernel, which the developer said can simplify the development of applications.
The most likely embedded applications for the Java processor will be in edge controllers, such as in industrial control, or home automation systems that communicate over the Internet in real-time from remote nodes to a central server.
“Application developers can create secure, re-usable software in a single language that operates on all platforms throughout the enterprise,” said California-based
aJile.
The processor, which is fabbed on a 180nm CMOS process, uses a patented multiple JVM (Java Virtual Machine) design that creates a hardware firewall between multiple Java applications running concurrently.
“This allows deterministic hard real-time applications to run independently and to safely co-exist with networked applications. This provides the maximum security against viruses and other potential malware running on the network,” said the company.
The aJ-102 is a second-generation Java direct-execution processor. Based on aJile’s aJ-100 processor, the aJ-102 is a 32-bit Java-technology microprocessor that includes a micro-programmed real-time kernel.
It also integrates a digital signal processor, a 10/100 Ethernet controller, a USB OTG controller, a discrete encryption/decryption processor, LCD controller, and various I/O options.
See more news at Embedded World 2009