X-ES Now Offering X-ES Enterprise Linux (XEL) Board Support Package for Embedded Computing

Extreme Engineering Solutions (X-ES) is pleased to offer X-ES Enterprise Linux (XEL) – a Board Support Package (BSP) that enables the use of an Enterprise Linux distribution in conjunction with X-ES rugged, embedded computing hardware.

Enterprise Linux with Expanded Hardware Support
The X-ES Enterprise Linux (XEL) Board Support Package (BSP) operates in conjunction with a stable Enterprise Linux distribution to add full functionality and accessibility to all of an X-ES embedded computing module’s ports and I/O. Built against kernel source code provided by a prominent enterprise-class Linux vendor and operating as a compatibility layer on top of a trusted and proven Enterprise Linux distribution, this well-supported and easy-to-use Linux package is ideal for development and deployable embedded hardware. Linux distributions compatible with XEL include, but are not limited to, Red Hat Enterprise Linux™, CentOS™, and Scientific Linux™. XEL is designed to provide full Linux support for all of X-ES’ x86 architecture embedded processor modules. Full Compatibility via X-ES Drivers and Utilities

The XEL BSP adds a layer of support for X-ES hardware through an assortment of kernel modules and drivers that enable onboard devices. The BSP’s included drivers provide access to Intel® ICH GPIO and Intel® Bay Trail devices, I²C GPIO devices, and temperature sensors, allowing customer to fully interface with our products. XEL also provides access to I²C GPIO devices through either a sysfs or I²C character device interface, and temperature sensor support includes processors in the coretemp driver and a large AT24 serial EEPROM. Support for access to a PCI-to-VME bridge is included.
In addition to kernel modules and drivers, a host of scripts and utilities are included in the XEL BSP to support the convenience functions of X-ES hardware, such as access to readings from onboard temperature sensors, automatic I²C/SMBus device registration, and onboard LED control. 

Enterprise-Level Support to Match Enterprise-Level Computing
Streamline the development process by working with XEL and Enterprise Linux’s thoroughly documented software, which is also supported by X-ES’ dedicated team of Linux developers. Our direct engineer and developer support provides rapid responses to minimise downtime and helps expedite development. Due to increasing demand for Enterprise Linux support, XEL board support package releases are being made available to customers as a standard product. X-ES currently supports most Enterprise Linux 6 versions both in the x86_64 and i686 architectures, all versions of Enterprise Linux 7, and RedHawk 7.2 and 7.2.3 in the x86_64 architecture. X-ES will continue to provide Gentoo-based Linux BSPs.

XEL source code is open-source under the GNU General Public License, and can be obtained in Source RPM format with each release through our add-on repository, the X-ES Open Source Software Portal. The XEL add-on repository is intended for use on top of an existing compatible Linux installation, allowing customers to choose their distribution while supporting X-ES hardware though add-on packages. Out-of-the-box support is available for most base Enterprise Linux distributions.

If you like further information on any of the X-ES Products and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au   

For outside this area, please contact X-ES directly on +1 608 833 1155 or sales@xes-inc.com

FUTEK Pedal Force Sensors

FUTEK’s LAU Series offers accurate measurement for pedal force testing. The low profile design and one piece construction allow for a measurement system with great tolerances.  

• Ideal for applications involving brake testing or pedal force testing
• Spike resistant and highly resistant to off-axis loading
• Low profile height

Available in Capacities from 25lb (111.2N) to 500lb (2224N) with a load direction of tension, compression and a combination of both items.

For further information in Australia & New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact Futek directly on +1 949 465 0900 

Application 108: Helicopter Pedal Force Testing

Application Summary

Anti-torque pedals control both the direction and yaw of a helicopter in flight. Utilising pedal force sensors allow engineers to audit the precision of these controls.

Products in Use

Pedal Force Sensor (LAU Series) paired with Instrumentation (IPM650, IHH500, USB Solutions, or IAA Series Amplifier). View Product Details

How it Works

1. Flight safety protocols often require rigorous reliability testing. Therefore, quality assurance engineers conduct audits on the anti-torque pedals of each helicopter.
2. Utilizing FUTEK's pedal force sensors, these quality assurance engineers can measure the force required to operate each anti-torque pedal as it directs and propels the helicopter through flight.
3. These force measures can be read upon a digital display, such as FUTEK's IPM650 Panel Meter or IHH500 Handheld Display, or streamed to a PC utilising FUTEK's USB Solutions.
4. Once streamed to a PC, that data can then be monitored by FUTEK's SENSIT Test and Measurement Software. SENSIT can monitor up to 16 channels of measurement readings, as well as live graph and data log.

All FUTEK application illustrations are strictly conceptual. Please contact us with questions.

LAU SERIES

Pedal Force Sensors

IAA SERIES

Strain Gauge Amplifier

USB SOLUTIONS

External USB Output Kit

IHH500

Intelligent Digital Hand Held Display

IPM650

Intelligent Panel Mount

SOFTWARE

SENSIT™ Test and Measurement

For further information in Australia & New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 73868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact Futek directly on +1 949 465 0900 

Use Case: Minimizing Patient Trauma with an Automated Thoracic Retractor

Traditionally, opening a patient's thoracic wall requires fast movement and consistent torque to minimize trauma. This is accomplished with a hand cranked thoracic retractor operated by the surgeon. Utilising this methodology, current loops are typically applied in place of a torque sensor to monitor torque when automating small systems. However, this setup offers poor accuracy and a non-linearity of ± 5–10%. Needless to say, a new, more precise platform is needed.

FUTEK we have replaced the hand crank with a miniature, high-precision, brushless DC servo motor and gearhead. Alongside the DC servo motor is FUTEK's QTA141 Micro Reaction Torque Sensor, which has accuracy and non-linearity of ± 0.5%. Adopting this setup provides the surgeon with a faster and more accurate torque feedback system, in addition to benefiting the patient with less time spent in the operating room, a reduction in potential bone fractures, and a more rapid recovery time.

For further information in Australia & New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 73868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact Futek directly on +1 949 465 0900 

Futek TTF400 Reaction Torque Sensor with Thru Hole Center: Featured Application - Hinge Fatigue Testing.

Ever wonder how position hinges on doors can endure what seems like endless uses? Well  the application of Futek's TTF400 Reaction Torque sensor on hinge fatigue testing demonstrates how test and measurement professionals are able to replicate the stress hinges undergo by mimicking up to 100,000.00 time the movements the hinge will undergo in real life scenarios.

Torque hinges, friction hinges, and position hinges are all synonyms for a type of hinge that allows two parts to rotate around one another when a load is applied. The hinge returns to its original position when the load is removed due to its high torsional stiffness. Hinges are used in everything, from cabinetry, car glove boxes, laptops to monitor stands and many other applications. The wide range of uses requires that these hinges survive and very often exceed the lifetime of the product. To ensure this, fatigue and cycle testing must be performed to verify the hinge lifespan when integrated into the product. FUTEK’s TFF400 Reaction Torque sensor paired with Instrumentation (USB220, IAA Amplifier) give testing auditors reliable results for determining the lifespan of a hinge.

The Futek TFF400 Reaction Torque Sensor utilises Metal Foil Strain Gage technology, is constructed in aluminium and features Overload Protection for low capacity units which helps to prevent overload damage that may occur during installation. Reaction Torque Sensors are used in many and varied applications  - Hinge fatigue testing is just one of them!

Features of the TFF400 

·                5 in-oz [0.04 Nm] to 500 in-lb [56 Nm] capacity range

·                Optional mounting plates available

·                Built-in overload protection 

·                Easily integrates into OEM applications

·                Aluminum construction

·                Strain gauge based

For further information in Australia & New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 73868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact Futek directly on +1 949 465 0900 

DEWESoft X2 - updates free for DEWESoft X Versions

DEWESoft's commitment is to make their software faster, more attractive and easier to use. As such, all updates are free of charge for all DEWESoft® X versions.

DEWESoft have released new DEWESoft® X2 SP8 Software. Download here to check out the latest features and improvements.

FEATURES, IMPROVEMENTS

• Added three new memory managers and the option to switch between them.
• Added display of EtherCAT SOEM version in add-ons info and driver used in device settings.
• Added DSIi-10A and DSIi-20A.
• Added auto-scaling for XY-graph.
• Corrected certain channel names from setup files in sequencer.
• Options expanded to included required fields.added
• SUM calculations according to German/French standard added in HBV.
• Retransmit support added for KryptonRTD.
• Hexadecimal values can now be used in CAN Tx for message/field 
• data (up to full 64 bit).
• Maximum number of ports increased to 16 for test CAN.
• Added custom HP filters for Sirius-ACCv2 and Sirius-ACCv2+.
• Supported firmware upgrade of unknown EtherCAT devices.
• Improved cursor visibility on GPS visual control.
• Option to set a custom maximum calculation delay in advanced settings.
• Offline CAN stability improvements to the reset expected frequency function.
• Support for per-user registration of add-ons.
• Ability to disable project warnings.
• Possibility to add event on alarm.
• Flow control select option added for COM port in sequencer.
• Added access to a data file's start time in sequencer.
• Added copy/paste buttons in time reference curve.
• Added support for per-user registration of add-ons (no admin rights needed).
• Added expand, collapse option to group column.
• Added custom images option for input visual control.

For further information or pricing on all DEWESoft Products and DEWESoft X2 Software in Australia & New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au 

For outside this area, please contact DEWESoft directly on +43 31 32 2252 or sales@dewesoft.com

Learn more about the Acromag AcroPack I/O Modules with this video

Learn more about the Acromag AcroPack I/O Modules & the APA7-200 Xilinx FPGA System in this neat little video.

Features of the AcroPack I/O Modules include

• Small Scale
• Low Cost
• Self-Configurable
• Mix and Match endless I/O Combos in a single slot

If you have any further queries after watching the video or are interested in finding out more - contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au (if you live in Australia or New Zealand)

Or if you live outside this area contact Acromag directly at solutions@acromag.com

X-ES’ XPedite6101 NXP QorIQ T2081-Based Processor Mezzanine Module now available

X-ES has recently announced the release of X-ES’ XPedite6101 NXP QorIQ T2081-Based Processor Mezzanine Module Supported by Wind River VxWorks 653 Multi-Core Platform with Enhanced Security - read below to find out more about this card.

Extreme Engineering Solutions (X-ES) is pleased to announce the availability of the industry’s first NXP QorIQ T2081 processor- based COTS board solution, the  XPedite6101, with a  certification-ready multi-core operating system environment, Wind River® VxWorks® 653 3.0 Multi-core Edition platform. In addition to being fully ARINC 653-compliant, this solution is integrated with Wind River’s Information Assurance Framework (IAF) to support secure booting for applications requiring enhanced levels of security.

Secure Software Enables a Trusted Boot Environment

The Wind River VxWorks 653 platform enables avionics vendors and hosted-function suppliers to independently develop and deploy multiple applications on a single multi-core hardware platform, supporting rigorous avionics safety standards. These supported standards include RTCA DO-178C for certifying compliance with the applicable airworthiness regulations for the software aspects of airborne systems and equipment, and ARINC 653 for space and time partitioning in safety-critical avionics real-time operating systems (RTOS).

The VxWorks 653 multi-core scheduler enables multiple guest operating systems on a shared compute platform, allowing applications to run in parallel in order to increase compute capacity. In addition, this platform provides fault containment, high portability for lower upgrade costs, reduced development costs with a development suite based on Eclipse, and reduced RTCA DO-178C platform certification time supported by commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) certification evidence.

The enhanced security of this solution is derived from the integration of Wind River’s IAF. The IAF utilises the PowerPC/NXP Trust Architecture, known as the QorIQ Platform Trust Architecture, to enable secure boot, including a built-in security engine that can hide a One Time Programmable Master Key (OTPMK) in a write-only register. This security engine is ideal for performing cryptographic offload of hashing, encryption, and decryption.

The foundation of the safety and security capabilities of this platform is the VxWorks 653 BSP. This BSP is fully integrated into the trusted boot sequence and is controlled by the IAF, and supports the following capabilities:

·            Four (4) physical cores (threading not supported)

·            Serial ports

·            ECC support

·            I²C support (GPIO, TMP102 Ambient Temperature Sensor, ATD6641A Dual Temperature Sensor, AT24CM01 SEEPROM, M41T00 Real-Time Clock)

·            DDR SDRAM: 8 GB board total; 2 GB accessible using VxWorks 653 Multi-core Edition, version 3.0.1.1

·            PCIe – PCIe controller #1, #3, and #4 on the T2081

·            Ethernet: Both MEMAC interfaces on the XPedite6101 (MEMAC2 and MEMAC3)

·            4 GB NAND Flash is supported via the CERT HRFS, NAND FTL, MTD, and IFC NAND driver

·            Boot from NAND flash (using U-Boot)

This secure and safe software/hardware platform from Wind River and X-ES is an effective way to compress program schedules and reduce cost and risk. It also establishes a very strong foundation for systems that may need RTCA DO-178C certification.

 XPedite6101 Rugged Computing Solution Optimised for Data-Sensitive Applications

The XPedite6101 XMC/PrPMC mezzanine module  supports multiple NXP QorIQ processor configurations, a number of I/O ports including Gigabit Ethernet, serial, USB, and SATA, and up to 8 GB of DDR3-1600 ECC SDRAM. When configured to use the T2081 processor, the XPedite6101 maximises performance with eight virtual (four dual-threaded) Power Architecture® e6500 cores running at up to 1.8 GHz.

The Wind River VxWorks 653 software platform was specifically developed to comply with rigorous avionics safety standards. The XPedite6101 offers the ideal hardware platform for VxWorks 653 by providing a size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimized computing solution that is perfect for the needs of the military and aerospace industry.

   

About X-ES — Extreme Engineering Solutions, Inc. (X-ES), a 100% U.S.A.-based company, designs and builds single board computers, I/O boards, power supplies, backplanes, chassis, and system-level solutions for embedded computing customers. X-ES offers cutting-edge performance and flexibility in design.

X-ES is represented in Australia and New Zealand by Metromatics.  For further information, please contact us on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au