ARC takes further step into embedded software business

The London-based firm has combined its MQX real-time operating system with software drivers for CAN-bus, TCP/IP and USB; a graphical user interface library; and Internet code such as a web server and email protocols.

In February ARC made a decision to split its product lines. The firm said that processor and peripheral IP would still account for 75 per cent of its revenues, with embedded software taking the remainder.

“In practice,” said the firm, “embedded systems designers typically choose their hardware and software independently, so few customers have purchased from more than one area of ARC’s products.”

The firm also recognised the need to offer a wider variety of processor cores, and therefore split its processor line to serve both low power and high performance markets.

ARC recently appointed Carl Schlachte as chief executive, following the resignation of Mike Gulett in December. Last year the firm made a loss of £20.7m, despite cost cutting measures.

As part of its push into the embedded industrial market, ARC is supporting Motorola processors including ColdFire MCF547x/ MCF548x and PowerPC MPC87x/MPC88x (PowerQuicc) devices.

ARC’s RTOS and associated software is provided as source code and is available on a royalty-free basis, with prices starting at $12,500.

The firm has integrated its software with Metrowerks’ development tools, which include compiler, debugger, IDE and simulator.