New Code Generation Target Running Altia and QNX Neutrino Selected for Automotive Instrument Cluster Production Program

Altia announces new DeepScreen code generation support for the NXP i.MX 6 family of processors utilizing OpenGL ES 2.0 and OpenVG 1.1 pipelines to maximize Graphical User Interface (GUI) performance. This new target, running on BlackBerry’s QNX Neutrino® Realtime OS, has been selected to power a 10” virtual instrument cluster program.

This code generation target was designed on the i.MX 6 DualPlus family of processors, which not only delivers dramatic graphics and memory performance enhancements, but are also pin-compatible with a broad range of i.MX 6 processors. The i.MX 6 DualPlus includes a dual-core ARM® Cortex®-A9 platform running 800 MHz with 1 MB of L2 cache, 512 MB of RAM – and, of course, the 2D and 3D pipelines already mentioned. This capability, along with other connectivity features, make i.MX6 an ideal multicore platform for leading-edge multimedia applications which require higher graphics performance.

The Altia DeepScreen target works on the QNX Neutrino Realtime OS, a full-featured and robust operating system that is used in demanding, mission-critical applications. The QNX Neutrino Realtime OS helps guard against system malfunctions, malware and cyberattacks by implementing a multi-level, policy-driven security model that incorporates best-in-class security technology from BlackBerry. It also has been qualified to various safety and security standards for use in products with high criticality and low tolerance for failure.

“BlackBerry QNX and Altia have been working together for over a decade to provide a trusted foundation for advanced digital instrument clusters,” said John Wall, senior vice president and head of BlackBerry QNX. “The combination of the Altia DeepScreen code generator and BlackBerry QNX’s proven automotive grade operating system and high-performance graphics provide the industry with a completely integrated and optimized software platform for a next-generation digital cockpit experience.”

This i.MX 6 with QNX Neutrino Realtime OS integration is part of the Altia solution, which also includes a Photoshop exporter, GUI editor, 3D renderer and graphics code generator for custom embedded displays. The Altia GUI editor, Altia Design, provides the capability to create a completely custom GUI model that leverages both 2D and 3D graphics assets. Altia DeepScreen converts the GUI model developed in Altia Design into graphics C code that is optimized to leverage all of the on-chip resources available on the i.MX 6 processor. This DeepScreen code generation target will include new font module technology, utilizing the FreeType font engine and Harfbuzz shaping engine – allowing developers to design production GUIs that will accommodate dozens of different languages, including Mandarin, Russian, Japanese, Arabic and Hebrew.

Jason Williamson, Altia’s vice president of marketing, stated, “We deeply value the long-standing expertise in automotive that BlackBerry QNX brings to the table. For years, both BlackBerry QNX and Altia have established a legacy of successful production launches, which are rooted in safety and innovation. We are proud to bring this new solution to market. The two independent, asynchronously running GPUs enable incredible 3D performance, while at the same time rendering realistic gauges. The lightweight and production-proven QNX Neutrino Realtime OS serves as an ideal platform for Altia’s rendering of complex 3D models.”

To see the combination of the Altia and BlackBerry QNX technologies at work on the NXP i.MX 6, visit Altia at embedded world 2017 in Hall 4, Booth 4-339 from March 14-16, 2017.

About Altia

Altia, Inc. is a software company that provides graphical user interface design and development tools that can be used from concept to final product code. Our GUI editor, Altia Design, offers development teams the capability to implement a model-based development process for clear communication and accelerated user interface development. Our code generator, Altia DeepScreen, supports a vast range of low- to high-powered processors from a variety of industry-leading silicon providers. Altia generates pure C source code that is optimized to take full advantage of hardware resources. Graphics code generated by Altia is driving millions of displays worldwide – from automotive instrument clusters, HUDs and radios to thermostats, washing machines and healthcare monitors. Our mission is to get the best automotivemedical and consumer interfaces into production in the shortest time on the lowest cost hardware.

Altia achieved ASPICE Level 1 in September 2016 and expects to achieve ASPICE Level 3 certification in 2017.

Altia was founded in 1991 and its customers include Breville, Continental Automotive, Aston Martin, Smiths Medical, Renault, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford Motor Company, Medtronic, MTA, Johnson Controls, Magneti Marelli, Rolls-Royce, DAF Trucks, Visteon, NSI, Procter & Gamble, Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. and many other leading manufacturers.

For more information about Altia, visit www.altia.com or email [email protected].

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