Unique Embedded Development System from Janz Tec AG!

For 20 years dSPACE GmbH has been a world-leading supplier of tools for the development and testing of mechatronic control systems. As a notable pioneer, it has established key technologies like Rapid-Control-Prototyping and Hardware-in-Loop-Simulations.

The broad product portfolio, seamless integration of Real-time systems in MATLAB®/Simulink®, and its technology base makes dSPACE GmbH unquestionably a top-level worldwide development partner in the automotive, aerospace and industrial automation arenas. The MicroAutoBox (MABX) is an example of a world-implemented Real-time development platform in Rapid-Control-Prototyping.

The new MABX II is a compact, passively-cooled development control system with a powerful PowerPC, comprehensive Bus and I/O interfaces and an optional integral FPGA-Board for customdesigned expansion. These characteristics - very short boot times, robustness for field use, and easy programmability with MATLAB®/Simulink® - are the new benchmark for this system class. Typically, the MABX II is used for development and validation of new operating algorithms   directly in the vehicle. In very few iterations, users can model and configure their algorithm model in Simulink, or change the I/O interfaces and operating system tasks, by programming the MABX II with the push of a button. Development concepts from driver assistance, infotainment, HMI development and image processing place new demands on processing systems. To match these trends, the MABX II can be expanded with one of Janz Tec AG‘s specifically-developed Embedded products.

André Rolfsmeier, Senior Product Manager at dSPACE GmbH says: „Because of Janz Tec AG‘s Embedded Knowhow, we were able to offer an extension option for the MicroAutoBox II within just a few months. The cooperation was straightforward and issues arising could be dealt with promptly. In Janz Tec AG we found a regional partner with obvious competence in Embedded PC technology.“

Communication between the PowerPC MABX II and the Embedded-PC is effected internally via UDP/IPEthernet. An integral Gigabit-Ethernet-Switch guarantees that, with Ethernet cable, both units can be activated from the control computer at the same time. All three Gigabit-Ethernet connectors are available on the front panel. Both units can be switched on and off synchronously, e.g. from the ignition switch at the vehicle.

The computer unit is a passively-cooled Intel® Atom™-based PC (1.6 GHz; 2 GB RAM) - though more powerful processor types can be used. Microsoft® Windows® and Linux operating systems are available. A parallel Realtime open system runs on the IBM PowerPC with very short Worst-Case response time.

To incorporate WLAN, mobile communications or FireWire®, the computer unit offers an internal PCIe-MiniCard-slot and an Express-Card-socket on at the rear. A 2.5“ hard disk is used for data storage. In additon, for video transmission etc., four USB interfaces and one DVI output at the front panel. The computer is designed for permanent installation in vehicles, from input voltage range, quiescent current and overvoltage protection, as well as passive cooling.

With the MicroAutoBox II and its embedded computing expansion, users now have a unique development system offering great versatility, compact configuration and almost unlimited possibilities.

Here you can view the full reference report.