A leading provider of real-time operating systems (RTOS), Quadros Systems, Inc., announced the release of RTXCftl File Translation Software. Ideal for a wide variety of embedded system applications including test and measurement equipment, data loggers and other data capture/storage systems, the software allows PC-compatible files to be stored on resident flash memory and accessed via a USB connection with a personal computer.

A common application requirement for these systems is to enable them to connect with a PC via USB and have it read the stored files on the embedded resident flash memory. The problem is that NAND flash has particular characteristics that prevent it from being used as a simple, contiguous storage array: heavily used blocks will wear out. good blocks can develop bad bits; it may contain bad blocks. While providing an appropriate interface to the host system, a file translation layer is required to manage the NAND flash.

A simple, logical sector-based interface that allows NAND flash to be addressed as a set of standard 512 byte logical sectors, is provided by RTXCftl. It includes, in addition, wear-leveling algorithms to prevent over-use of blocks and fail-safe mechanisms to prevent data loss in the case of unexpected power loss.

Vice president of sales and marketing for Quadros Systems, Inc., Stephen Martin, said: “USB is the fastest-growing connectivity standard for our customers in the embedded systems industry”. “RTXCftl file translation software allows a new tier of flexibility for embedded developers who are looking to leverage the advantages of USB in their systems.”

Other Features

    * Supports up to 8 GB in a single wear-leveled array
    * Zero copy block read/write
    * Support for multiple arrays
    * 528 byte page support
    * Cache options
    * Automatic garbage collection
    * Small code footprint
    * 2112 byte page support
    * C source code
    * Bad block management
    * Sample drivers and ECC algorithms
    * Support for all standard NAND devices

Bringing together RTOS, hardware and software professionals into one development team to provide innovative technology that maximizes real-time responsiveness and eases the development process for customers, Quadros Systems, Inc. develops and markets RTXC technology. The RTXC RTOS family is complemented by an easy-to-use, powerful design tool that allows the developer to rapidly move between design concepts and generated C code, called VisualRTXC. Quadros Systems offers, in addition to the RTXC RTOS family, a wide range of communications stacks and middleware including RTXCusb (RTOS-agnostic USB stacks and drivers) and RTXCflashfile (a high performance file system for resident flash devices). Serving markets such as medical, communications, and industrial automation, RTXC products have been deployed worldwide in millions of embedded systems.