Risc Design-In Services - Advantech ROM-5721 User Manual

Compared to x86 architectures, RISC architectures use simpler instruction sets, therefore the
software support for x86 platforms cannot be used on RISC platforms. System integrators need
to develop software for their system and do the hardware and software integration themselves.
Unlike x86 platforms, RISC platforms have less support for Board Support Packages (BSP) and
drivers as well. Even though driver support is provided, SI still have to make a lot of effort to
integrate it into the system core. Moreover, the BSP provided by CPU manufacturers are usually
for carrier board design, so it's difficult for SI to have an environment for software development.
In view of this, Advantech proposed the concept of Streamlined Design-in Support
Services for RISC-based Computer On Modules (COM). With a dedicated professional design-
in services team, Advantech actively participates in carrier board design and problem solving. Our
services not only enable customers to effectively distribute their resources but also reduce R&D
manpower cost and hardware investment.
By virtue of a close interactive relationship with leading original manufacturers of CPUs and
chipsets such as ARM, TI and NXP, Advantech helps solve communication and technical support
difficulties, and that can reduce the uncertainties of product development too. Advantech's
professional software team also focuses on providing a complete Board Support Package and
assists customers to build up a software development environment for their RISC platforms.
Advantech RISC design-in services helps customers overcome their problems to achieve the most
important goal of faster time to market through a streamlined RISC Design-in services.
Along with our multi-stage development process which includes: planning, design, integration,
and validation, Advantech's RISC design-in service provides comprehensive support to the
following different phases:
Planning stage
Before deciding to adopt Advantech RISC COM, customers must go through a complete survey
process, including product features, specification, and compatibility testing with software. So,
Advantech offers a RISC Customer Solution Board (CSB) as an evaluation tool for carrier boards
which are simultaneously designed when developing RISC COMs. In the planning stage,
customers can use this evaluation board to assess RISC modules and test peripheral hardware.
What's more, Advantech pro- vides standard software Board Support Package (BSP) for RISC
COM, so that customers can define their product's specifications as well as verifying I/O and
performance at the same time. We not only offer hardware planning and technology consulting,
but also software evaluation and peripheral module recommendations (such as WiFi, 3G, BT).
Resolving customer concerns is Advantech's main target at this stage. Since we all know that
product evaluation is the key task in the planning period, especially for performance and
specification, so we try to help our customers conduct all the necessary tests for their RISC COM.
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Design stage
When a product moves into the design stage, Advantech will supply a design guide of the carrier
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