Aonix, the provider of the PERC product line for embedded and real-time Java developers, announced Java™ virtual machine support for the low-cost BeagleBoard with its flagship product PERC Ultra. More developers and projects will be able to quickly and more cost efficiently launch development that takes advantage of PERC’s new graphics support via the ARM®-based BeagleBoard.

The BeagleBoard is distributed by Digi-Key Corporation and available through its global websites.

“For projects planning final deployment on ARM processors, PERC Ultra and the BeagleBoard are a great combination,” said Gary Cato, Director of Marketing at Aonix. “They can get started with all the functionality they need for only $149 per developer. That’s an amazing cost advantage for early development cycles over other hardware platforms.”

PERC Ultra holds the distinction of being the most deployed embedded and real-time standard edition virtual machine on the market with hundreds of thousands of fielded systems, and demonstrating 5-9s uptime reliability. Unlike other available virtual machines, PERC provides patented garbage collection technology and smaller footprint for use in real-time embedded applications. PERC ULTRA 5.3, the currently shipping version, has newly implemented AWT/Swing libraries for embedded platforms giving 2D/3D graphics developers the immediate availability of hundreds of downloadable community projects. Testing of the PERC virtual machine functionality and performance characteristics and new graphics capability was executed on the BeagleBoard from Digi-Key. PERC Ultra on the BeagleBoard was tested with both Linux and X Windows distributions from Ångström (http://www.angstrom-distribution.org/) and the free CodeSourcery G++ Lite toolchain for ARM GNU/Linux (http://www.codesourcery.com/).

The latest BeagleBoard version offers increased design flexibility with twice the memory (256 MB RAM), additional high-speed USB port, and an LCD expansion connector. Based on a Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) OMAP3530 processor, the BeagleBoard bridges desktop and embedded development by delivering laptop-like performance in a pocket-size, 3x3-inch form factor for innovative projects ranging from robots, netbooks, and mobile Internet devices to entire Linux distributions and gaming frameworks.

“We’re very pleased that Aonix has ported and tested PERC against the BeagleBoard,” notes Dave Doherty, vice president, semiconductor product, Digi-Key Corporation. “This is proof-positive that we have achieved the goal of putting low-cost horsepower in the hands of serious developer.”

About the PERC Family

PERC Ultra is a virtual machine and toolset expressly created for demanding embedded and real-time systems requiring J2SE™ support. PERC Ultra delivers the ease and efficiency of Java™ Standard Edition support without sacrificing integrity, performance, or real-time behavior. The currently available version, PERC Ultra 5.3 offers Ahead-of-Time (AOT) and Just-in-Time (JIT) compilation, remote debug support, deterministic garbage collection, standard graphics and extended commercial RTOS support.

Pocket-size, USB-powered BeagleBoard

Originally released in 2008, the BeagleBoard (http://beagleboard.org) is based on a TI OMAP3530 applications processor, which features an ARM Cortex™-A8, 2D/3D graphics engine and high-performance TI TMS320C64x+™ digital signal processor (DSP) core.

A small group of enthusiastic engineers interested in creating powerful, open and embedded devices worked together on the concept and realization of the BeagleBoard. The resulting 3x3 inch board allows developers to use the same peripherals and usage mode for flexible USB and standard PC expansion. With a full computer in their hands, developers are able to design to their specification and collaborate with the open source community on creative new applications.

Shipping and Availability

PERC Ultra 5.3 with support for the BeagleBoard development platform running Linux is available immediately. PERC development tools are available at no charge in combination with a maintenance contract. Target execution and deployment license pricing starts at $25K based on projected volume.

About Aonix®

Aonix offers mission- and safety-critical solutions primarily to the military and aerospace, telecommunications and transportation industries. Aonix delivers the leading highly reliable, real-time embedded virtual machine solution for running Java™ programs deployed today and has the largest number of certified Ada applications at the highest level of criticality. Headquartered in San Diego, CA and Paris, France, Aonix operates sales offices throughout North America and Europe in addition to offering a network of international distributors. For more information, visit www.aonix.com.

About Digi-Key Corporation

One of the world's fastest growing distributors of electronic components, Digi-Key has earned its reputation as an industry leader through its total commitment to service and performance. As a full-service provider of both prototype/design and production quantities of electronic components, Digi-Key has been ranked #1 for Overall Performance for 17 consecutive years from among the nation's more than 200 distributors (EE Times Distribution Study/ August 2008). Offering more than 1.5 million products from over 400 quality name-brand manufacturers Digi-Key's commitment to inventory is unparalleled. Access to the company's broad product offering is available 24/7 at Digi-Key's top-rated website, www.digikey.com.

Aonix and PERC are registered trademarks and trademarks of Aonix. Java™ and all Java-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trade names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2009, Aonix, all rights reserved.