SYSGO extends PikeOS support for NXP i.MX 8 Processors

Developers in the aerospace and defence sector benefit from an integrated solution platform for developing immersive human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and GPGPU-powered AI functionalities with certifiable safety. The solution set is aligned with the new Khronos Group Vulkan SC API and certifiable up to RTCA DO-178C/EUROCAE ED-12C DAL A. It targets innovative HMIs that integrate the environment in which they operate and provide networked ancillary services hosted in virtual machines.

The immersive eCockpits and GUIs that are currently being integrated into military and commercial aircraft typically use functions such as 3D, gesture control, augmented reality, transparent screens, voice assistants and controls, and haptic feedback. They also process GPS as well as video, LiDAR, radar, ultrasound, or infrared sensor data using artificial intelligence (AI) to create situational awareness. To do so, they need a highly capable low-power processor architecture that supports safety criticality, multiple displays and a GPGPU, and that features an operating system that not only fully supports the processor, but also the integrated safety-ready GPU. With the integration of VkCore SC Vulkan SC GPU driver support in PikeOS, the ecosystem can implement all this in a safety-critical way is now also available from the operating system side.

The NXP i.MX 8 QuadMax provides a failover-ready 32-bit GPU subsystem to support up to 4x HD displays and a 4k H.265-ready VPU that also supports numerous other graphics codes for safety-critical immersive user experiences. The dual GPU architecture with 64 execution units enables two independent 8-Vec4 shader GPUs with 32 execution units each. It can also be used to develop mixed criticality systems that integrate not only safety-critical vehicle controls but also infotainment applications, which are completely separated and isolated thanks to the integrated hypervisor and PikeOS separation kernel. What is more, PikeOS separation kernel 5.1.3 is also certified to Common Criteria level EAL 5+, meeting the highest cybersecurity requirements for V2X communications in connected cars.

"CoreAVI is pleased to continue its long-standing partnership with SYSGO by providing driver support for PikeOS on i.MX 8," said Dan Joncas, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at CoreAVI. "We look forward to providing our customers in aerospace, defence, automotive, and industrial sectors the latest in state-of-the-art safety critical software solutions for their modern applications."

"Our strong partnership with CoreAVI results in exceptionally robust innovations that are proven and popular with our customers. We are therefore proud to add another piece of the mosaic to our portfolio with support for the i.MX 8 Quad Max.," said Franz Walkembach, Vice President Marketing and Alliances at SYSGO.