The integration of the OSEK products provided by the French embedded specialist NCS acquired by EB into their own portfolio allows EB to simplify the development of OEM-specific functions and customer-specific adaptation for minimal resource requirements, suited for 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers as well. The complete OSEK/VDX basic software solution includes components from the OSEK operating system to the clearly structured communication stack for the CAN or LIN protocols. In addition to the OSEK/VDX standard, current diagnostic protocols such as UDS or KWP2000 are supported as well as bootloading via communication bus. Integration into the EB tresos Studio development environment also provides effective support in the configuration of the basic software.
The configuration for the communication stack is carried out using a convenient GUI offered by EB tresos Studio. The tool extracts most of the configuration parameters from the network descriptions for the protocols used so that only a few additional entries are required from the user.
The concerted tooling also provides a solid basis for simple migration to AUTOSAR. For example, an existing OSEK/VDX basic software solution can be complimented by a RTE layer (runtime environment), giving developers an early start in AUTOSAR with its additional diagnostic and debugging options.
The EB tresos OsekCore communication stack and the EB tresos OsekCore OS can also be purchased separately. When integrating vehicular applications, EB clients benefit from development processes that have passed audits and an infrastructure that offer quick, global support.
OSEK/VDX background information
In 1993, BMW, Bosch, DaimlerChrysler, Opel, Siemens, VW, and IIIT (University of Karlsruhe) founded the OSEK association. OSEK stands for the German phrase for open systems and their interfaces for electronics in vehicles. A year later, the group merged with the French VDX initiative (Vehicle Distributed eXecutive), which was working towards very similar goals, namely - long before AUTOSAR - the establishment of standardized interfaces for communication, operating system, and network management with respect to easily portable, reusable software components. In 1995, the OSEK/VDX Group presented their first common specification, many parts of which can still be found in the current edition of ISO 17356. Today, more than 50 companies have become development partners.
Background information on the history of OSEK at EB
EB started developing OSEK-compatible operating systems as early as 1997, then still under the name of ProOSEK. After 2001, an EB operating system was the centerpiece of the BMW standard core. This software core is used in all BMW automobiles, and even in some motorcycles.
EB, Elektrobit Corporation
EB develops advanced technology and transforms it into enriching end user experiences. EB specializes in demanding embedded software and hardware solutions for the automotive industry and wireless technologies. The company's net sales for the year 2009 totalled EUR 153.8 million. Elektrobit Corporation is listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. www.elektrobit.com
EB's Automotive Software Business
EB's Automotive Software Business has established itself internationally as one of the most important suppliers of embedded software solutions for the automotive industry. In addition to the development of innovative products, it also specializes in services and consulting for the automotive industry, supplying implementations of serial software solutions for a broad range of AUTOSAR and FlexRay, Infotainment, Navigation, HMI and Driver Assistance systems.