Marconi Data Systems Inc. (Industrial Printer)
"We wanted an RTOS that supported a variety of processors so that we could change our processor in the future without being forced to switch RTOSes. In addition, the processor we planned to use, the PowerPC 405GP, was new at the time and we needed a vendor that could provide a port for it quickly and reliably." --Simon Ibberson, Principal Software Engineer, Marconi Data Systems
Nucleus PLUS selected for Marconi Data Systems' newest digital imaging system, the Videojet IPro™
Digital Imaging
The Videojet IProTM is a digital imaging system from Marconi Data Systems. It surpasses all other ink jet printers in terms of its superior connectivity, web-enabled communications, and system integration capability. This revolutionary, small character, digital imager delivers exceptional high speed, high resolution printing, with accuracy and reliability. It is designed specifically to address the full spectrum of industrial coding applications.
Evaluating a real-time kernel
It was important for developers at MDS to find an RTOS with royalty free licensing. Access to source code was a significant factor as well since the source code allows developers to gain an in-depth understanding of how to use certain features of the kernel.
According to Simon Ibberson, principal software engineer at Marconi Data Systems, "We wanted an RTOS that supported a variety of processors so that we could change our processor in the future without being forced to switch RTOSes. In addition, the processor we planned to use, the PowerPC 405GP, was new at the time and we needed a vendor that could provide a port for it quickly and reliably."
Nucleus PLUS met their expectations and requirements perfectly with regards to the kernel's feature set, optimal performance and scalable size. Nucleus also provided for future expansion with add-on products, such as a networking stack and file management system, that could seamlessly integrate into the kernel for additional functionality. Support from popular third parties also helped in their decision to go with Nucleus.
"We wanted the processor/RTOS/compiler/debugger combination to work well together. Our processor, the PowerPC 405GP, was fairly new at the time so we had to look for vendors with experience with a similar processor - the PPC403. The Diab Data compiler and SDS debugger looked good to us and we were encouraged by the fact that this was the same tool set Mentor had used for the PPC 405GP port." Mr. Ibberson continued, "We also liked the fact that we could purchase the tools through the RTOS vendor."
The choice for a real-time kernel boiled down to either Nucleus PLUS or one other RTOS product. The design team then focused on the rapid and accurate responses from Mentor's technical support department, the company's extensive customer base and Mentor's established presence in the embedded market.
Implementation of Nucleus for the Videojet IProTM began in February 2000 and the product began shipping in March of 2001. The successful implementation of Nucleus in the ink jet printer speaks highly of the software. "I was very pleased with Nucleus PLUS," Mr. Ibberson states simply. "We will definitely consider using it again for future product developments, for the same product family or something totally new."