Tektronix Partnership with Rapita Systems Enhances Performance Analysis of Embedded Real-Time Software

RapiTime Software Links with TLA5000 and TLA7000 Logic Analyzers to Simplify Development and Debugging Tasks of Embedded System Software Designers Tektronix, Inc., a leading worldwide provider of test, measurement and monitoring instrumentation, has formed a partnership with embedded software tools vendor Rapita Systems Ltd. Rapita's innovative RapiTime worst-case execution time analysis software, when integrated with the Tektronix TLA5000 and TLA7000 Series of logic analyzers provides state-of-the-art software performance analysis solutions for software designers tasked with developing and debugging application software for embedded real-time systems. Embedded systems, which combine complex software with advanced, high-performance microprocessors, are increasingly used to implement intelligent real-time functions such as stability control systems, active suspensions, and hybrid drive-trains found in automobiles. To compete effectively in the marketplace, designers tasked with developing these systems need a clear understanding of the timing behavior of the software code and worst-case software execution time performance of their embedded systems. An in-depth understanding of execution time performance allows the software designer to debug and optimize code, providing significant advantage in critical areas including achieving class-leading reliability, reduced time-to-market and providing the capability to incorporate additional functionality without the need for expensive hardware upgrades. "This partnership is very important for Rapita as Tektronix is the leader in instrumentation, real-time tracing and measurement," said Dr. Guillem Bernat, CEO of Rapita Systems. "Linking our software with a Tektronix logic analyzer enables us to provide a fully integrated, off-the-shelf hardware and software solution to our customers." Previously, embedded systems designers needed to develop custom solutions to address the problem of capturing the timing trace information required for detailed performance analysis. The integration of the TLA5000 and TLA7000 logic analyzers with RapiTime software automates this process and provides a complete, efficient and effective off-the-shelf solution. Enhanced by the real-time acquisition capabilities of the Tektronix logic analyzer, engineers can now use the RapiTime toolset to provide detailed information about the timing performance of their application code on virtually any embedded microprocessor- or microcontroller-based target available on the market. "RapiTime brings a new market segment opportunity to our TLA logic analyzer business, allowing software engineers to find the elusive "needles in the haystack" of embedded applications," said Ross Nelson, Logic Analyzer Marketing and Strategy Director, Logic Analyzer Product Line, Tektronix. "In particular, the RapiTime tool can process vast amounts of timing trace data collected over long execution periods, and pinpoint worst-case execution time hotspots." Tektronix TLA series of logic analyzers with innovative acquisition technology provide the industry's best real-time hardware analysis capabilities. Utilizing Windows XP, the instruments ensure ease of integration with third-party software packages such as RapiTime. The combined Tektronix TLA logic analyzer and RapiTime software toolset are marketed globally by Rapita Systems. About RapiTime Software RapiTime Software provides information about the longest time software can take to run, termed the "worst-case execution time (WCET)", highlights code which is on the worst-case path, and computes the contribution of each software element to the worst-case execution time, identifying the best opportunities for optimisation. RapiTime also provides on-target code-coverage analysis. RapiTime is used in embedded software applications in industries as diverse as the automotive, mobile communications and avionics sectors. In a recent customer case study, RapiTime was able to reduce the worst-case execution time of applications in an avionics system by 23% by focusing optimisation on only 1.2% of the code. This key capability to identify where to optimise code and so eliminate timing errors increases reliability and reduces the need for costly hardware upgrades. About Rapita Systems Rapita Systems Ltd. (www.rapitasystems.com), based at York Science Park in the UK, is a specialist in the worst-case execution time (WCET) analysis and simulation of real-time embedded systems for the avionics, automotive and telecommunications markets. Its innovative RapiTime product makes Rapita Systems the leader in measurement based WCET analysis solutions. RapiTime provides a practical WCET analysis solution that works for complex embedded software running on the latest generation of advanced microprocessors. Rapita Systems also produces state-of-the-art simulation technology: the VirtualTime 'software in the loop' system which accurately models the detailed interactions and timing behavior of complex RTOS-based systems such as electronic control units, mobile phones and radio base stations. About Tektronix Tektronix is a leading supplier of test, measurement, and monitoring products, solutions and services for the communications, computer, and semiconductor industries - as well as military/aerospace, consumer electronics, education and a broad range of other industries worldwide. With 60 years of experience, Tektronix enables its customers to design, build, deploy, and manage next-generation global communications networks, advanced and pervasive technologies. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix has operations in 19 countries worldwide. Tektronix's web address is www.tek.com. Tektronix is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.