For engineers developing ARM-based embedded systems with real-time operating systems [RTOSs] for industrial applications; IAR Systems, NXP and Micrium have announced a reference design.

Built around NXP’s LPC2468 ARM7 microcontroller “the industrial reference design platform software is built around the Micrium µC/OS-II real time operating system (RTOS), and IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM C/C++ compiler and debugger”, said IAR. “The platform incorporates flexible, interchangeable PCB-based ‘core’, ‘base’ and ‘application’ modules that provide the essential system functions and wired communications protocols for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.”

Included are pre-designed modules for applications including: building automation and lighting control; solid state lighting; e-metering; white goods; and industrial control.

There is also an integrated development environment (IDE) and J-Link JTAG hardware debug link.

“Both the JTAG connection and Micrium’s system monitor feature assist with software development and debug,” said IAR. “Hardware circuitry is incorporated to facilitate in-system-programming: allowing different software packages to be easily loaded and demonstrated on the platform.”

Hardware includes: a microcontroller board; a base board with Ethernet, USB host/device, two RS232 ports, and two CAN ports; a membrane keypad board; 4x20 LCD display; and an IAR JTAG debug probe.

Headers on the base board are included for vacuum fluorescent and liquid crystal displays, UART expansion, I2C expansion, and application specific hardware.

Power comes either from an external 5V power supply or a separately supplied Power-Over-Ethernet board, and a current monitoring circuit is included.

Software support is provided for 10/100Base Ethernet, USB host/device, CAN, RS-232, and I2C wired communication protocols, and real-time monitoring and control of the system over the Internet is possible.

NXP is supplying several reference applications in C source code that can be used to initiate application development.

Micrium’s RTOS, TCP/IP stack, File System, CAN stack and USB host and device stacks are included as executable demos. “Licensing the source code from us allows the developer to customise this platform very quickly and substantially reduce time to market,” claimed Micrium.

In addition hardware and software application modules will be available separately to add DALI, DMX, CAN and motor control, with more under development.