QNX supports Fujitsu’s Jade SoC

QNX Software Systems (www.qnx.com) said its Neutrino real-time operating system (RTOS) now supports Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe’s (http://emea.fujitsu.com/microelectronics) MB86R01 (Jade) system-on-chip for automotive graphics applications including virtual instrument clusters. Markus Mierse, director of the Graphics Competence Center at Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe, said Jade is optimized for applications such as on-board mobile navigation systems and graphical dashboard systems. QNX noted that automakers are phasing out mechanical or vacuum-fluorescent display clusters in favor of LCD-based, software-controlled virtual instrument clusters that offer new ways to integrate traditional cluster information (speedometer, tachometer, clock) with navigation displays, backup cameras, music playlists, phones, and other forms of digital content. Virtual clusters can intelligently reconfigure themselves to enhance the driving experience; for example, by replacing a tachometer with a backup camera when the driver shifts into reverse. They can also help reduce driver distraction by eliminating the need to look down at radios, iPods, cell phones, and other devices. QNX offers advanced graphics support for Jade's integrated Coral PA graphics processor, including Adobe Flash Lite, and accelerated 2D/3D graphics based on OpenGL ES. QNX's Instant Device Activation technology complements Fujitsu's CAN controller by allowing the system to respond to CAN wakeup messages from a cold or low-power state without the need for auxiliary communications processors. QNX and Fujitsu have worked together on development of infotainment systems in cars from Daewoo (www.daewoous.com), Hyundai (www.hyundai.com), GM Australia’s Holden (www.holden.com), Mercedes (www.mercedes.com), Renault-Samsung (www.renaultsamsungm.com), and Ssangyong Motors (www.ssangyong.com), among other automakers.