WHAT'S NEW−ARCHIVE 2003/May

TRON Project Promotion at ESC SF 2003

The world's largest embedded systems conference was held in San Francisco's Moscone Center from April 23-25. The TRON Association took the opportunity to publicize the current state of the TRON Project. Mentor Graphics, commissioned to support the North American Liaison Office of the TRON Association, provided space in their booth for a panel exhibit explaining TRON and ITRON. Against the backdrop of the TRON promotional video, association representatives exhibited the T-Engine Development Kit, distributed introductory product-related materials on behalf of members requesting this service, and set up stands at member exhibits with the message "We Support the TRON Project." The exhibit gave visitors a chance to pick up a T-Engine and examine it for themselves. Many attendees stopped to watch the video and listen to the explanations, confirming the effectiveness of this promotional event. We look forward to the next conference, to be held March 30 to April 1, 2004, which is to be called "electronicaUSA / The Embedded Systems Conference."

First TRON Portability Study Group Inaugural Meeting

April 24th saw the first meeting of the TRON Portability Study Group, a joint project between the TRON Association ITRON Specification Study Group and the T-Engine Project. Focusing on issues in transferring application programs from μITRON specification OSes to T-Kernel, the group will summarize technical differences and conduct several practical porting experiments. They will use the insight gained from the experiments to create a porting guide to be presented at TRON SHOW 2004 in December at Tokyo International Forum.

μITRON-specification OS "TOPPERS/IDL" with Built-In Updating Function

A.I. Corporation has released TOPPERS/IDL, the first μITRON 4.0 specfication-based real-time kernel that features an updating function. The new kernel permits loading and unloading of tasks and device drivers, unavailable in previous versions of ITRON specification OSes. If a defect causes system malfunctions, modules can be exchanged without stopping the system. This OS is also equipped with the standard memory protection function specified by the TRON Association, attesting to A.I.'s commitment to developing highly reliable products. http://www.aicp.co.jp

Special Lectures and Concurrent Exhibitions at the Ordinary General Meeting

Special lectures and exhibitions will be held throughout TRON Association's ordinary general meeting. TRON Project Leader Ken Sakamura will speak on the current state of the TRON Project and future tasks. The exhibitions held at this time will give member companies a chance to meet under one roof and introduce TRON-specification products. In addition to product exhibits and demonstrations, there will be presentations on current progress in the TRON Project. We encourage everyone to attend this event. Reservations are required. For details, see http://www.assoc.tron.org/. The TRON Association Event Date: Friday, June 13, 2003 Venue: Tokyo Science Museum, First floor below ground level, 2-1 Kitanomaru Park Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 　　　　- Special lectures - 4:15-5:15 p.m. 　　　　- Concurrent exhibitions - 2:00-5:30 p.m.

First "Introduction to Embedded Real-Time OS" Seminar

In response to the current demand for embedded device development experts, the Education and Promotion Group is holding seminars on real-time systems in partnership with local organizations throughout Japan. Information on the first seminar is given below. Please take advantage of this opportunity to train technical specialists new to your staff. Seminar title: Introduction to Embedded Real-Time OS An Overview of Principles and Development Methods for Embedded Systems Using T-Kernel and ITRON Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2003, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Venue: Hitachinaka Techno Center URL: http://www.htc.co.jp 38 Shinko, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Tel. 029-264-2200 Prerequisites: C programming experience. Knowledge of operating systems is helpful. The lecture will summarize fundamental aspects of the real-time system common to T-Kernel and ITRON, the de facto standard in the field of embedded systems built into handsets, digital still cameras, and vehicle engine devices for real-time control. Fee: 6,000 yen Textbook: 4,000 yen Application procedure: Register online via the Hitachinaka Techno Center website given above.

TCP/IP IPv6 Protocol Stack for T-Engine: "Kasago for T-Engine"

Kasago for T-Engine from Elmic Systems is a T-Engine-compatible TCP/IP IPv6 protocol stack. Designed and developed for embedded systems, the product delivers exceptionally reliable performance at high speed and in a compact footprint. With support for T-Format - the standard distribution format of T-Engine middleware - Elmic Systems has opened the door to fast, low-cost development of network equipment based on T-Engine boards. http://www.elmic.co.jp