Embedded Systems & Real-Time Computing
Many systems require a rapid response to a stimulus, with rapidity being just as important as the accuracy of the results. In other words, a late response is invalid even if accurate.
These systems are found in a wide range of sectors, from the aeronautical industry (e.g. in autopilots) to the motoring industry as well as trading floors, automated TGV train systems, nuclear plants, washing machines, international aircraft routing systems and a variety of other applications. We work on electronics, low-level software, middleware and applications.
Astek is an expert in these systems, whether strict real-time (hard)/less strict (soft) or time constrained
Real Time
Astek brings its experience in designing and creating real-time systems and works on software, electronics and more broadly on low-level software:
- Multithreaded development
- Base software development
- Hard/soft integration
Embedded
The field of embedded software and connected smart objects is now seen as a priority by public authorities for future investments. This is why our Lab and its innovation unit invest in this area, particularly in connected headsets and remotes.
Astek also helps create embedded applications using middleware such as DDS and CORBA and which can manage operational constraints and run on real-time operating systems.
- Needs analysis, specifications, development, integration, validation, certification
- Development: Java, Assembler, C++, C
Test benches
Astek has gained a wealth of knowledge in running automated and semi-automated test benches:
- MMI management
- Instrument control (RS-232, GPIB, Ethernet, etc.)
- Instrumentation boards used to simulate external environments for the system under test
- Test engine, automated test scenario execution and automatic report generation
Astek test bench teams are trained in National Instruments products, including LabWindows/CVI, LabVIEW and TestStand.
For more demanding applications, the teams use LabVIEW Real-Time technologies and LabVIEW FPGA:
- Deterministic
- Efficient
- Parallel processing (multi-tasking)
What the experts say
In ten years at Astek, I have worked with all the biggest aeronautical and defence groups, both civilian and military. Navigation systems, electrical power centres, fuel management, missile systems, radars and more… All this on-board equipment requires specialist expertise in real-time software to ensure product reliability and passenger security.
I now head a team of Astek staff working with a major client developing military transponders and friend/foe identification systems.
Marc O.
Astek Project Manager
