New Part

A new part is being introduced in the uC53281 product family. This part reflects an increase in the capacity of NOR flash and DDR-SDRAM populated on the device.

The new part is uniquely identified by the orderable part number: uC53281-32E64UAC240-XR The following significant changes apply:

1. NOR flash increase in capacity from 16Mbyte to 32Mbyte

2. DDR-SDRAM increase in capacity from 32Mbyte to 64Mbyte

Effective immediately, the new part will obsolete the old uC53281-16E32UAC240-XR part.

Compatibility

The new part is a super-set part. No software compatibility issue is expected – software distributions R231 and R232 actively support the new part.

The product is RoHS compliant and available in extended temperature versions.

Additional Resources

For additional information including orderable part number and life-cycle status, refer to the:

Detailed Product Bulletin

ARCTURUS INTRODUCES MBARX-M2M SOLUTIONS AND TOOLS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND MULTIMARKET EMBEDDED MACHINE-TO-MACHINE COMMUNICATIONS

Mbarx-M2M employs intuitive PC based tools and end-point software to overcome hurdles faced by supervising and maintaining device networks.

TORONTO – OCTOBER 25, 2012 – Arcturus Networks Inc. a leading innovator of enablement products for VoIP, digital audio and industrial embedded devices, announced today the general availability of Mbarx-M2M (Machine-to-Machine), a new product line designed to overcome configuration, operation, supervision and maintenance limitations faced by deployments of many networked devices with various capabilities.

Mbarx-M2M consists of end-point resident embedded software that uses a combination of a service discovery framework and a point-to-point protocol to virtualize the operation and configuration of a device over a guaranteed TCP/IP connection. The result is a self-aware system that can be managed by a host machine in an ad-hoc or highly-supervised way. Mbarx-M2M is provided with all Arcturus System Solutions and can be enabled on devices with as little as 256Kbyte of internal flash and 64Kbyte of SRAM, making it suitable for simple connected devices and sensors, using low-cost MCUs (microcontroller) or complex communications platforms. Mbarx end-point software is available for Linux and MQX operating systems and example code is provided to assist with host-side integration.

“Mbarx builds on our long-term commitment to provide enablement solutions that make overall system development simpler.” said David Steele, product manager “Mbarx has been developed in collaboration with our semiconductor partners and has been deployed successfully by key customers in public-safety applications.”

PC Host Tools

Mbarx host tools install on PC based systems to support scalable edge node (SEN), aggregation services, presentation, and analytics. Mbarx-System Manager (SM) is a standalone PC tool with an intuitive graphic interface intended for system administrators and installers to help with day-to-day monitoring, configuration and maintenance of many devices. It supports bulk firmware upgrades, configuration, events, notifications and alarms. Mbarx-Operations Controller (OC) is a server based PC host tool that aggregates the operation of many devices by many clients (users). It is suitable for applications that require work-flow integration with centralized, fixed or mobile operations, including building systems, access control, security and patient care systems. An HTML5 presentation layer eliminates the need to deploy multiple applications across various fixed and mobile client platforms i.e.: Android^TM, iPad^®, PC or Mac^®. Presentation can be split over multiple browser windows and screens, allowing concurrent views for central operation environments. Work flow is optimized for display types including tablets and mobile devices by using a hierarchical group/subscription system with intuitive click through menuing and crumbs navigation. Mbarx-OC, also supports the integration of external IP elements including HTML, raw data and media. The result is a single, consistent user experience capable of converging voice, video, statistical or historical data, events, notifications and operation control.

More Information

For a complete list of modes of operation, features, support and options, refer to: www.arcturusnetworks.com/mbarx-m2m

A Mbarx-M2M Operations Controller video demonstration is available that shows capabilities of Mbarx-M2M end-point solutions using a Freescale Kinetis K60 ARM^® Cortex M4 microcontroller along with the Mbarx-M2M Operations Controller.

A Mbarx-M2M End-Points and System Manager video demonstration is available that shows capabilities of Mbarx-M2M end-point solutions using a Freescale Kinetis K60 ARM^® Cortex M4 microcontroller along with the Mbarx-M2M System Manager utility.

Pricing and Availability

Mbarx-M2M end-point software is currently available for all Arcturus System Solutions engagements and was deployed as part of the generally available R231 middleware release for Arcturus digital voice platforms. An evaluation copy of Mbarx-System Manager is available to qualified customers and may be downloaded from the dedicated support sites, at no charge. Mbarx-Operations Controller is optionally available as part of a system solutions package with integration support. Both products are available for site or per seat licensing.

Arcturus Networks Inc. is a leading provider of embedded solutions for communication and industrial applications. Recognized as an embedded Linux pioneer, Arcturus has contributed to the innovation of thousands of products and helped to establish embedded Linux solutions as a defacto global standard. Since 2002, Arcturus has been focused on simplifying product development by creating enablement technologies including a line of product-ready hardware modules, corresponding open source OS packages and middleware solutions for device management, voice and media. Arcturus middleware is award winning and certified interoperable by leading infrastructure vendors. For more information, visit www.arcturusnetworks.com

Press Contacts:
Arcturus Networks Inc.
media@arcturusnetworks.com
416.621.0125 x233

# # #

ARCTURUS “SYSTEM SOLUTIONS” SUPPORT MANUFACTURERS WITH SPECIALIZED AUDIO/VOIP APPLICATIONS IN TRANSPORTATION, HEALTHCARE AND BUILDINGS

System solutions address complex requirements of networked audio devices for mass notification, patient care and vehicle systems including NEMA, NFPA and UL audio intelligibility recommendations.

TORONTO – MAY 7, 2012 – Arcturus Networks Inc. a leading innovator of enablement products for VoIP, digital audio and industrial embedded devices, announced today the availability of system solutions targeting three key vertical markets; transportation, healthcare and building systems. The system solutions are intended for equipment manufacturers looking to create nurse call systems, school intercoms, fire/safety notification, building access control or mass-transit passenger/vehicle communications. The business model bundles hardware, software, support and services into one tailored package, including toolkits that specifically address audio intelligibility recommendations made by standards bodies.

“Organizations including NEMA and NFPA recognize audio communication is key to improving a range of products from evacuation systems to devices that will help our aging population remain independent.” said David Steele, product manager “Our system-solutions combine class-leading intelligibility tools with intrinsic supervision, making it possible for applications like nurse call equipment to handle the supervised monitoring of patient rooms using a combination of PC central stations and mobile agents such as iPads”.

The system solutions build on a decade long commitment to deliver core technology to industrial equipment manufacturers. The engagement allows manufacturers to work directly with Arcturus, freeing up valuable resources to focus on their core areas of expertise and overall system architecture. In turn, Arcturus provides the building blocks, tools and any specialized integration required. A key part of this is a Device Virtualization Service, an M2M (machine-to-machine) protocol, developed by Arcturus that abstracts the operation and supervision of an embedded device into an IP based protocol. This protocol reduces time to market by providing a consistent interface for central operation, work flow interaction and overall system supervision. The Device Virtualization Service is suitable for the operation of many devices from one or more central stations (agents) and extends to iPad^®, iPhone^® and Android^® mobile platforms.

Specialized Middleware

The solution is built using a Linux base system enhanced with Arcturus’ award winning middleware to improve reliability, support device management and enable local / wide area digital voice and audio distribution. In addition to the baseline middleware, specialized tool kits address:

• Audio intelligibility, including noise compensation, call quality and acoustic performance monitoring
• Advanced audio algorithms, providing better performance in intercom (speakerphone) applications
• Autonomous (with M2M reporting) or fully supervised operating modes
• M2M workflow integration tools for central operation and management of many devices
• M2M workflow integration tools for converged mobile environments (iPhone, iPad and Android)
• M2M tools for central administration and management (configuration, firmware, maintenance)
• Integrated test tools, active failure detection (loss of service) and failure countermeasures
• Full reporting and remote logging

System Solutions Hardware Platform

A 100 x 110mm small form-factor, Single Board Computer (SBC) functions as both a development board and a deployment-ready product. The system is designed to withstand operation in harsh environments and provides complete subsystems for power, Power Over Ethernet (PoE), networking, analog audio and powered audio output. The solution supports advanced audio processing algorithms such as Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC), wide band, narrow band or adaptive differential pulse-code modulation (ADPCM) vocoders and up to sixteen (16) optically isolated digital input and output signals. These signals may be used as part of a distributed control system (DCS), as part of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) or as part of a programmable logic controller (PLC) system in support of interconnecting remote sensors, alarms, lights, push buttons, and switches.

More Information

For a complete list of modes of operation, features, support and options, refer to: www.arcturusnetworks.com/solutions

Availability

System solutions are currently available to qualified customers. A basic system solution package is available for $7,500 and includes access to a number of optional components. A basic package includes hardware, managed software releases, branding and default configuration customization, hardware and software support resources as well as maintenance agreement for the first year.

Arcturus Networks Inc. is a leading provider of embedded solutions for communication and industrial applications. Recognized as an embedded Linux pioneer, Arcturus has contributed to the innovation of thousands of products and helped to establish embedded Linux solutions as a defacto global standard. Since 2002, Arcturus has been focused on simplifying product development by creating enablement technologies including a line of product-ready hardware modules, corresponding open source OS packages and middleware solutions for device management, voice and media. Arcturus middleware is award winning and certified interoperable by leading infrastructure vendors. For more information, visit www.arcturusnetworks.com

Press Contacts:
Arcturus Networks Inc.
media@arcturusnetworks.com
416.621.0125 x233

# # #

Click to view youtube video: MCU Middleware Demo using Freesacle Kinetis K60 Tower System ]]> http://www.arcturusnetworks.com/2012/02/23/video-demo-mcu-middleware-using-freescale-kinetis/feed/ 0 http://www.arcturusnetworks.com/2011/11/10/video-demo-arcturus-demonstrates-embedded-device-virtualization-service/ http://www.arcturusnetworks.com/2011/11/10/video-demo-arcturus-demonstrates-embedded-device-virtualization-service/#comments Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:23:25 +0000 arc-Admin http://www.arcturusnetworks.com/?p=903 Product Manager, David Steele and Developer Harshad Mahadik, demonstrate how it is possible to use the Arcturus device virtualization service to remotely operate, administer and manage, many embedded devices. The demo shows an iPad and PC platform being used to perform remote tasks such as system-wide firmware updates, configuration changes, respond to events or control connected devices. speaker independent speech recognition and how you can use Arcturus middleware to create voice controlled devices. The demo makes use of four uC53281 development kits and components of software from Arcturus Management Middlewware.

Click to view youtube video: Arcturus Demonstrates Embedded Device Virtualization Service

Click to go to: uC53281 product page

Click to go to: Management Middleware product page

Click to read: Press release

ARCTURUS DEMONSTRATES EMBEDDED DEVICE VIRTUALIZATION SERVICE FOR REMOTE OPERATION, ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT USING MOBILE PLATFORMS

Middleware interface allows mobile devices such as iPad®, iPhone® or Android® tablets to become a powerful tool in the deployment, remote operation and on-going maintenance of Arcturus enabled equipment.

TORONTO – NOVEMBER 9, 2011 – Arcturus Networks Inc. a leading innovator of embedded digital voice and device management solutions, demonstrated today a new implementation for the in-field remote operation, administration and management of network connected devices at Designing with Freescale Toronto. The solution uses a combination of device discovery along with a thin server implementation to establish a remote connection between the device and a mobile or PC platform.

The demonstration consisted of multiple devices running Arcturus embedded middleware along with a PC, an iPad, Android tablet and an iPhone. The solution showed how a PC or mobile platform could be used to remotely detect and connect to each unique embedded device on a network, identify the firmware version and handle configuration and maintenance tasks such as automating global firmware updates. The demonstration also showed how the system could be integrated into work flow by providing virtualized operation of a device. In this example, a device end-point alerts the mobile or PC platform that a button was pressed. The operator then uses the mobile application to respond to the event by commanding the device to place a voice call or to remotely control equipment connected to the system, such as a notification lamp or door lock. The demonstration showed how the solution could be used for implementing applications such as a nurse call system, building access/door entrance controller or other application where many distributed end-points require control and management.

“We currently provide a number of device management tools within our middleware suite including a full-featured web user interface and secure provisioning service.” said David Steele, product manager at Arcturus. “What we wanted to highlight here is the power of our management middleware by creating a light-weight protocol that could sufficiently virtualize a device in order to move the management interface from on-board, to a remote PC or mobile platform. For our customers who are deploying many thousands of end-points, this centralized approach is critical to the sustainable operation of their install base. Our management middleware solutions not only help with one-off configuration and management, but now provide a network wide overview, complete operator panel, and mobile install and troubleshooting tools.”

Target Devices and Applications

The demo was based on the uC53281 product platform from Arcturus using a 240MHz Freescale MPU. The software was comprised of Arcturus management, voice and media middleware, built on an embedded Linux platform.

The solution is portable across architectures and is suitable for MCU devices that have limited memory resources for graphic intensive user interfaces. Off-loading the user experience to a PC or mobile application reduces overall system cost and complexity at the embedded end-point node, while retaining the ability to have a powerful management tool. View demo video.

Availability

The solution is currently under evaluation by a select group of Arcturus customers and is scheduled for general availability in the Spring 2012 release. The release will be available for download by qualified customers from the Arcturus support sites. Customers interested in participating in field trials prior to the release date are encouraged to contact Arcturus directly.

About Arcturus Networks Inc.

Arcturus Networks Inc. is a leading provider of embedded solutions for communication and industrial applications. Recognized as an embedded Linux pioneer, Arcturus has contributed to the innovation of thousands of products and helped to establish embedded Linux solutions as a defacto global standard. Since 2002, Arcturus has been focused on simplifying product development by creating enablement technologies including a line of product-ready hardware modules, corresponding open source OS packages and middleware solutions for device management, voice and media. Arcturus middleware is award winning and certified interoperable by leading infrastructure vendors. For more information, visit www.arcturusnetworks.com

Press Contacts:
Arcturus Networks Inc.
media@arcturusnetworks.com
416.621.0125 x233

# # #

Click to view youtube video: Speech and Command Recognition for Voice Controlled Devices

Click here to read: Speech and Command Recognition White Paper

Click to go to: uC53017 product page

Technical White Paper discusses current state of speaker independent speech recognition technology for embedded devices. The paper overviews the application of the technology for the creation of voice controlled devices, including solutions for assisted living, building systems and automated service delivery. The paper discusses design, application implementation, as well as practical considerations, such as human factors.

Click here to read: Speech and Command Recognition White Paper

Click to view youtube video: Speech and Command Recognition for Voice Controlled Devices

Click to go to: uC53017 product page

ARCTURUS NETWORKS, ENCORE SOFTWARE AND REDPINE SIGNALS JOIN FORCES TO DELIVER SOLUTIONS KIT FOR FREESCALE VOICE PROCESSOR

Collaboration nets multiple connectivity options as well as a rich software portfolio for digital voice applications.

Toronto, Bangalore and San Jose – APRIL 6, 2011 Arcturus Networks Inc., Encore Software and Redpine Signals today announced the availability of an enhanced, bundled software solution for wired or wireless digital voice applications. The solution is the product of a three-way collaboration that has resulted in a highly optimized system-level solution available for Freescale Semiconductor’s advanced MCF5301x voice processor family. The solution is geared toward industrial and consumer digital voice applications including VoIP devices, intercom systems, access control applications, healthcare and point-of-sale devices.

The software is built on the ColdFire® embedded Linux distribution, enhanced with components provided by all three groups. Overall integration was completed by Arcturus to form a system-level development kit that includes complete hardware, software and out of the box demos. The software package also includes an integrated voice processing sub-system optimized for the ColdFire architecture by Encore Software.

“Encore Software’s voice processing subsystem is tightly coupled with the hardware in order to make use of internal CPU acceleration and SRAM. The result is a highly optimized suite of vocoders as well as robust acoustic echo cancellation algorithms that are performance tuned for the system architecture” said Vasuki M P, vice president, from Encore Software.

WAN/LAN and WLAN

“Multiple connectivity options are made available through the dual Fast Ethernet Controllers (FECs) supported by the MCF5301x processor as well as support to enable 802.11 b/g/n wireless network communications using Redpine Signals’ RS9110-N-11-02 802.11n WLAN module, utilizing the processor’s Secure Digital Host Controller (SDHC). ”

“Redpine Signals’ 802.11n n-LinkTM module, which is among industry’s first to get Wi-Fi Direct and voice-personal certification from Wi-Fi Alliance, provides ultra low-power and high data rate wireless LAN support extending the connectivity options of the overall system to include applications such as wireless belt-pack, handsets and voice gateways. The MCF5301x solution kit includes Redpine’s 802.11n board along with all the software making it very easy to integrate in the end system,” said Venkat Mattela, CEO of Redpine Signals.

Pricing, Options, and Resources

The modular hardware development kit was designed by Arcturus to provide developers a reference tool as well as a product ready hardware implementation suitable for OEM applications. Arcturus also provided core middleware subsystems for voice and device management.

“Our middleware components accelerate development by providing the building blocks to create an array of digital voice devices. By leveraging our middleware, developers have access to a complete VoIP and broadcast voice sub-system as well as a full management infrastructure with web user interface, device discovery, firmware and remote management,” said David Steele, product manager at Arcturus.

NRE-free License Model

All licenses for software use are bundled by Freescale and included as part of the MCF5301x voice processor part numbers. This model eliminates prohibitive upfront NRE charges as well as the need to integrate multiple software components from various vendors.

“By working with our partners, Freescale has been able to help remove a considerable barrier for developers by eliminating the extensive upfront NRE charges associated with other system-level VoIP and digital voice solutions,” said Rudan Bettelheim, product manager at Freescale Semiconductor.

Pricing and Availability

The development kit includes an MCF53017-based system module, host board, Redpine signals RS9110-N-11-02 n-Link WLAN SDIO evaluation board, debugger, cables, headset and power supply. Support is provided directly by Arcturus through a dedicated online support site. The system is currently available for a suggested retail price of $799US through Freescale distributors or Arcturus direct.

About Arcturus Networks Inc.

Arcturus Networks Inc. is a leader in providing embedded solutions for communication and industrial applications. Recognized as a pioneer of uClinux, Arcturus has contributed to the innovation of thousands of products and helped to establish embedded Linux solutions as a de-facto global standard. Arcturus simplifies product development by creating enabling technologies including a line of product-ready hardware modules, corresponding open source OS packages and middleware solutions for device management and media. Arcturus middleware is award-winning and certified interoperable by leading infrastructure vendors. For more information, visit www.arcturusnetworks.com.

About Encore Software Ltd.

Encore Software Ltd.,is a product development company, based in Bangalore, India. Encore’s software products include licensable VoIP software modules, DSP based vocoders and soft modems. Apart from licensing the components, Encore has the expertise to deliver a complete product design solution for OEMs targeting the VoIP product market. For more details on Encore’s offerings, please visit www.ncoretech.com .

About Redpine Signals

Press Contacts:
Arcturus Networks Inc.
media@arcturusnetworks.com
416.621.0125 x233

# # #

ColdFire is a registered trademark of Freescale Semiconductor Limited. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners.

A new part is being introduced in the uC53281 product family. This part reflects a new PCB revision based on cumulative changes as well as new design recommendations from Freescale Semiconductor.

The following significant changes apply:

• Filtering on the PLL supply clock source input
• Power sequencing protection on the 1.5v and 2.5v power rails
• Use of the LM4931 audio codec (supported in previous Rev.2.0)
• Hardware Watchdog Controller

The new revision of the hardware is identified on the PCB silk screen as “Rev.2.4”. Previous versions included Rev.2.0, Rev.1.2 and Rev.1.1

Compatibility

The Rev.2.4 PCB hardware is pin compatible with Rev2.0 and Rev1.2. It is expected that customers using existing uC53281 Rev.1.2 or Rev.2.0 hardware versions may transition with little or no impact to their existing design or software application.

Software support for configuration changes including the hardware watchdog controller and LM4931 codec are contained in the R229 software distribution under the respective target configuration.

The product is RoHS compliant and available in extended temperature versions.

Additional Resources

For additional information including orderable part number and life-cycle status, refer to the:

Detailed Product Bulletin