McObject's eXtremeDB embedded DB software is selected by defense/aerospace industry

McObject has announced it's eXtremeDB, the database for embedded system applications has gained design wins in aerospace and defense markets.

BAE Systems has selected McObject's eXtremeDB in-memory embedded database running on Wind River's VxWorks real-time operating system (RTOS) as part of an avionics upgrade for the Panavia Tornado GR4 multi-role combat jet.

eXtremeDB enables mapping and navigation capabilities of this combat jet to allow it to low-level flying even when poor weather prevents visual flight.

Within the Panavia Tornado GR4, eXtremeDB is part of a new embedded software system that adds Tactical Data Link capability to the Tornado Advanced Radar/Map Display Information System (TARDIS). The TARDIS displays a moving digital map overlaid with radar and tactical data. The eXtremeDB embedded database manages tactical information such as aircraft/ship/vehicle positions, and is updated in real-time from multiple sources, including GPS receivers. (More information on BAE Systems' TARDIS program can be found in a Wind River case study at: http://www.windriver.com/customers/customer-success/documents/BAE_Systems_TARDIS_0608r.pdf.)

Real-time responsiveness is critical for the application. As an in-memory database system (IMDS) designed for embedded systems, eXtremeDB stores records entirely in RAM, eliminating I/O, caching and other performance overhead imposed by traditional disk-based databases. A RAM-based IMDS coupled with Wind River's VxWorks RTOS enabled BAE Systems to rapidly integrate and deploy the TARDIS update. "We are pleased to see another successful customer using VxWorks and eXtremeDB in a critical avionics system," said Rob Hoffman, vice president and general manager, Aerospace and Defense, Wind River. "Our pre-integrated software solutions continue to remove risk, time, and costs from our customer's programs."

Engineers tested several COTS databases and found that eXtremeDB provided better performance and ease of integration, as well as reliable support, Payne said. "Among other benefits, eXtremeDB makes it simple to configure databases and tables using the product's schema compiler," he said.

The schema compiler processes a database definition, contained in a text file, to produce C/C++ header files for the application along with a set of interface functions that are specific to that database. The functions are type-safe, adding to reliability by ensuring that any data typing errors are caught and corrected when the application is compiled.

The other selector of this database is, Turkish defense contractor STM Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade for its new Tank Command and Control Information System (TCCIS) to provide combat vehicles with a comprehensive battle management system (BMS). For real-time, fault-tolerant embedded software, this C2 system relies on the eXtremeDB High Availability (HA) embedded database from McObject running on Wind River Systems VxWorks real-time operating system.

Early in development, STM product designers faced a classic "build or buy" decision: should engineers code the software to manage information in this data-intensive system in-house, or integrate a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) embedded database in their application?

The company went the COTS route, choosing eXtremeDB-HA, and this decision reduced coding and QA cycles by approximately 4 developer-months, STM reports. The company expects further savings by relying on McObject for support and software updates.

Within the TCCIS, eXtremeDB-HA is deployed in the Vehicle Command Control Computer (VCCC). In this core system component, the high availability database coordinates input from on-board systems such as navigation, friend-or-foe identification, fire control, odometer and radio, and provides VCCC applications with real-time access to stored information ranging from tactical data to orders, maps, vehicle electronics (vetronics) output, warnings and failure reports.

eXtremeDB-HA met two early stage requirements: it is available on the VxWorks real-time operating system, and runs in both VxWorks' kernel module (DKM) and as a real-time process (RTP). It also met the application's stringent real-time performance requirements.

STM also chose McObject's hybrid database technology, eXtremeDB Fusion. With this product, the developer specifies, with a simple database schema notation, which record types are to be stored on permanent media and which will be managed in memory. This lets STM tailor the storage to achieve desired persistence and performance for each task.

"During our lengthy evaluation, McObject responded quickly to every technical question. The support has been excellent. In addition, we were able to arrange for a McObject engineer to come to our premises for training, and the instruction was both professional and very clear," said Mrs. Özlem Dengizek, STM project manager.

For more details on McObject visit www.mcobject.com