Development of real time communications software on ARM Cortex processor
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Description
Experience Level: Intermediate
General information for the business: We are an SME who develop industrial embedded electronics to meet specific needs
Kind of development: New program from scratch
Description of every module: We require some ‘real time’ communications interface software for an ARM Microprocessor. The software forms a data interface between a Qualcom QCA7000 powerline device via the target ARM processor to an Ethernet interface chip. The data passed are mainly UDP data blocks at data rates at up to around 4Mbps. The ARM chip may eventually run FreeRTOS to provide additional functions, however as the overall system is an industrial embedded hardware module we are open to suggestions from the developer as to the target OS or alternatively whether to deploy native machine code as a solution.
Description of requirements/functionality: The project has an initial aim to deliver reliable UDP communications via the ARM device. This would be a 1 to 1 link of the data to the powerline device from the Ethernet port without modification. Later extensions with further possible projects may include added features such as reading low data rate sensors from the ARM GPIO ports and inserting UDP blocks containing these fields suitably tagged in to the data stream. For the purpose of the initial deliverable the developer may consider that this process to be developed has ‘exclusive’ use of the ARM device. In operation the system will be powered down without warning. Data in transit during the power down may be discarded, but the power up sequence following an un-announced power down will need to be clean and efficient.
The module physical architecture is a bi-directional Ethernet connection with one end being an on-board QCA7000-AL3B chip, connected via SPI to an ARM Cortex chip NXP LPC1758FBD80 (Pins 44 to 48 of the LPC1758 ARM chip) which is then connected to an Ethernet chip SMSC 8720A-1 (pins 69 to 76 of the LPC 1758 ARM chip) This is all accommodated on a very small special single PCB which has been tested and is functional.The deliverable will be code for the ARM chip with instructions on it’s loading, deployment, and also on it’s error messages, and any other information for its reliable use.
The delivered software will become part of an embedded system and will be physically loaded on each board during manufacture.
We are aware that, even at these moderate speeds , care must be taken to preserve the integrity of the data flow. We are also aware that this is a task although seemingly straightforward, is appropriate to a developer with prior experience. Because of the embedded nature of the system we are open to either closed source or open source solutions, however the industrial application of the overall system would require that a developer sign a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA). We believe that some of the detail of the QCA7000 is subject to an NDA with the chip manufacturer, this could require a further NDA between the developer and the Chip Vendor if access to such detail is needed.
Timescales: This project has a short timescale, so developers should indicate a likely time to deliver.
Target hardware: We would prefer that the developer simply delivers software for us to test, however limited hardware is available to facilitate direct testing. Also we can direct developers to similar (but not identical) commercially available hardware that may be useful for familliarisation.
CMS and Admin requirements: See notes above about the need for short timescales and the requirement for Non Disclosure agreements.
Specific technologies required: ARM Cortex development The developer will need experience with ARM Cortex devices in this family. Experience with handling UDP data streams, and with both MII/Ethernet and SPi interfaces in use to transport data between them.
Extra notes:
Kind of development: New program from scratch
Description of every module: We require some ‘real time’ communications interface software for an ARM Microprocessor. The software forms a data interface between a Qualcom QCA7000 powerline device via the target ARM processor to an Ethernet interface chip. The data passed are mainly UDP data blocks at data rates at up to around 4Mbps. The ARM chip may eventually run FreeRTOS to provide additional functions, however as the overall system is an industrial embedded hardware module we are open to suggestions from the developer as to the target OS or alternatively whether to deploy native machine code as a solution.
Description of requirements/functionality: The project has an initial aim to deliver reliable UDP communications via the ARM device. This would be a 1 to 1 link of the data to the powerline device from the Ethernet port without modification. Later extensions with further possible projects may include added features such as reading low data rate sensors from the ARM GPIO ports and inserting UDP blocks containing these fields suitably tagged in to the data stream. For the purpose of the initial deliverable the developer may consider that this process to be developed has ‘exclusive’ use of the ARM device. In operation the system will be powered down without warning. Data in transit during the power down may be discarded, but the power up sequence following an un-announced power down will need to be clean and efficient.
The module physical architecture is a bi-directional Ethernet connection with one end being an on-board QCA7000-AL3B chip, connected via SPI to an ARM Cortex chip NXP LPC1758FBD80 (Pins 44 to 48 of the LPC1758 ARM chip) which is then connected to an Ethernet chip SMSC 8720A-1 (pins 69 to 76 of the LPC 1758 ARM chip) This is all accommodated on a very small special single PCB which has been tested and is functional.The deliverable will be code for the ARM chip with instructions on it’s loading, deployment, and also on it’s error messages, and any other information for its reliable use.
The delivered software will become part of an embedded system and will be physically loaded on each board during manufacture.
We are aware that, even at these moderate speeds , care must be taken to preserve the integrity of the data flow. We are also aware that this is a task although seemingly straightforward, is appropriate to a developer with prior experience. Because of the embedded nature of the system we are open to either closed source or open source solutions, however the industrial application of the overall system would require that a developer sign a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA). We believe that some of the detail of the QCA7000 is subject to an NDA with the chip manufacturer, this could require a further NDA between the developer and the Chip Vendor if access to such detail is needed.
Timescales: This project has a short timescale, so developers should indicate a likely time to deliver.
Target hardware: We would prefer that the developer simply delivers software for us to test, however limited hardware is available to facilitate direct testing. Also we can direct developers to similar (but not identical) commercially available hardware that may be useful for familliarisation.
CMS and Admin requirements: See notes above about the need for short timescales and the requirement for Non Disclosure agreements.
Specific technologies required: ARM Cortex development The developer will need experience with ARM Cortex devices in this family. Experience with handling UDP data streams, and with both MII/Ethernet and SPi interfaces in use to transport data between them.
Extra notes:
Martin M.
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26 Apr 2024
United Kingdom
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