Intel’s renewed interest and commitment to embedded systems was again demonstrated at this year’s recent Intel Developer’s Forum in San Jose, CA. Keynotes and technical presentations focused on opportunities in the embedded market segment, as well as the latest development in System-on-a-Chip (SOC) technology. Embedded applications based on the tiny Atom – Intel’s X-86 chip – were to be found everywhere, from back seat entertainment systems to out-ofthis- world space vehicles. The show provided a rich source of creative applications and ongoing technological improvements.

One of the most imaginative applications of embedded designs is in the realm of space systems. A prototype of the Hermes Spacecraft, built by Star Systems, was on display at IDF. Even though this spacecraft grew out of a garage project by the founder, Morris Jarvis, it contains technology from today’s leading companies, such as Intel, ADI Engineering, Dot Hil, GE Fanuc, MicroSun and National Instruments. Believe it or not, Hermes’ first flight will be an unmanned, tethered flight at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats in October. The spacecraft will be controlled from a remote cockpit on the ground. Readers might want to compare this with a previous space-based embedded system covered early this year. [Quick Impressions from the Embedded Systems Conference 2008: http://www.chipdesignmag.com/blyler/2008/04/18/ quick-impression-of-the-embedded-systems-conference-08/]

Intel’s Atom X-86-based embedded processor was showcased in many other applications besides the spacecraft system. For earthbound travelers, the Atom was at the heart of a BMW demo vehicle in a prototype In-vehicle Infotainment system. Combined with a Wind River’s Moblin-based Automotive Linux stack, this high-end car featured 3D navigation and video streaming.

Several vendors offered small form factor, low-power embedded systems based on the Atom processor. Each one boasted a slightly different – and naturally better – arrangement of features, from on-board DDR memory to every on-board peripheral imaginable, including: 10/100 Ethernet, touch screen interface, audio, RS-232 serial port, USB host and client ports, dual battery charger, ExpressCard slot, microSD slot, support for onboard 802.11, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Several vendors offered small form factor, low-power embedded systems based on the Atom processor. Each one boasted a slightly different – and naturally better – arrangement of features, from on-board DDR memory to every on-board peripheral imaginable, including: 10/100 Ethernet, touch screen interface, audio, RS-232 serial port, USB host and client ports, dual battery charger, ExpressCard slot, microSD slot, support for onboard 802.11, Bluetooth, and GPS.

On the analog side of embedded systems, the WiMedia Alliance demonstrated an impressive array of wireless applications. WiMedia member companies offered everything from USB chipsets and protocol test/analysis products to demonstrations of wireless media streaming to every imaginable type of receiving device, including TVs and portable players. Wireless USB software drivers and management applications were also showcased.

From analog to digital designs, Intel continues to expand its presence in the embedded world. For more on the use of the Atom processor in future embedded applications be sure to check out Ed Sperling’s article in this edition of Embedded Intel magazine: “Atom is Just the Beginning: Low-power chip will be targeted at traditional embedded world and in-between form factors.”

John Blyler can be reached at: jblyler@extensionmedia.com