Panametrics TransPort PT878 (Transit-time Flow Meter)
"We chose Nucleus because it was royalty-free and supplied with source code. The kernel had already been integrated with the 68k processor and we felt comfortable with Mentor's experience in the embedded market," said Gene Berkowitz, senior software engineer at Panametrics. "Nucleus PLUS and the Nucleus PLUS C++ package have been virtually problem-free and we have since taken out a second license for another product to be announced next year." --Gene Berkowitz, Software Engineer, Panametrics, Inc.
Nucleus Instrumental in the Development of Panametrics' TransPort® PT878 Flowmeter
The TransPort® PT878 Flowmeter
The TransPort® PT878 is one of the smallest and lightest transit-time flowmeter available. It contains a built-in datalogger to store information and an optional ultrasonic thickness gage that can measure the flow of liquid from outside plastic, metal or concrete-lined pipes. Temperature transmitters are also available for measuring energy flow rate. The unit has a built-in infrared (IR) port to transfer datalog, site, and other files between the PT878 and a personal computer.
The PT878 can be used for cooling, flow surveys, leak/rupture detection, pollution control and much more in such applications as acids, cryogenics, petroleum products, potable water and corrosive, erosive and toxic liquids.
Nucleus Selected for the PT878
Developers using the 68332 processor chose the Nucleus PLUS kernel and the Nucleus C++ PLUS object-oriented kernel for their flowmeter based on several factors.
"When we evaluated RTOSes, we needed one that was both royalty-free and supplied with source code. The RTOS had to support the Motorola 68K and our existing tool chain, which included the Diab Data C++ compiler," said Gene Berkowitz, senior software engineer at Panametrics.
Other factors helped persuade developers to invest in Nucleus software. One of the most important factors was Mentor Graphics' established presence in the embedded market. Another crucial factor that developers at Panametrics considered was Mentor's extensive experience with the 68k family of processors as well as many other Motorola processors. And finally, Panametrics made the decision to purchase Nucleus based on a conclusive qualifying factor: Mentor's ability to write, sell and support a complete RTOS-- not just the kernel--in house.
Once the choice had been narrowed down to Mentor Graphics, the final factor for selecting Nucleus was Mentor's simple licensing model. Mr. Berkowitz explains, "One reason why we selected Nucleus was because we had a hard time comprehending Express Logic's license terms/cost per seat."
The implementation of Nucleus began in December 1998 and the TransPort PT878 flowmeter began shipping in November 2001. Panametrics plans to continue developing their flowmeters with Nucleus. Mr. Berkowitz says, "Nucleus PLUS and the Nucleus C++ PLUS package have been virtually problem-free and we have since taken out a second license for another product to be announced next year."