Tektronix Partnership with Rapita Systems Enhances Performance Analysis of Embedded Real-Time Software

Tektronix, Inc. (NYSE:TEK), a leading worldwide provider of test, measurement and monitoring instrumentation, has formed a partnership with embedded software tools vendor Rapita Systems Ltd. Rapita’s innovative RapiTime worst-case execution time analysis software, when integrated with the Tektronix TLA5000 and TLA7000 Series of logic analyzers provides state-of-the-art software performance analysis solutions for software designers tasked with developing and debugging application software for embedded real-time systems.

Embedded systems, which combine complex software with advanced, high-performance microprocessors, are increasingly used to implement intelligent real-time functions such as stability control systems, active suspensions, and hybrid drive-trains found in automobiles. To compete effectively in the marketplace, designers tasked with developing these systems need a clear understanding of the timing behavior of the software code and worst-case software execution time performance of their embedded systems. An in-depth understanding of execution time performance allows the software designer to debug and optimize code, providing significant advantage in critical areas including achieving class-leading reliability, reduced time-to-market and providing the capability to incorporate additional functionality without the need for expensive hardware upgrades.

“This partnership is very important for Rapita as Tektronix is the leader in instrumentation, real-time tracing and measurement,” said Dr. Guillem Bernat, CEO of Rapita Systems. “Linking our software with a Tektronix logic analyzer enables us to provide a fully integrated, off-the-shelf hardware and software solution to our customers.”

Previously, embedded systems designers needed to develop custom solutions to address the problem of capturing the timing trace information required for detailed performance analysis. The integration of the TLA5000 and TLA7000 logic analyzers with RapiTime software automates this process and provides a complete, efficient and effective off-the-shelf solution. Enhanced by the real-time acquisition capabilities of the Tektronix logic analyzer, engineers can now use the RapiTime toolset to provide detailed information about the timing performance of their application code on virtually any embedded microprocessor- or microcontroller-based target available on the market.

“RapiTime brings a new market segment opportunity to our TLA logic analyzer business, allowing software engineers to find the elusive ”needles in the haystack“ of embedded applications,” said Ross Nelson, Logic Analyzer Marketing and Strategy Director, Logic Analyzer Product Line, Tektronix. “In particular, the RapiTime tool can process vast amounts of timing trace data collected over long execution periods, and pinpoint worst-case execution time hotspots.”

Tektronix TLA series of logic analyzers with innovative acquisition technology provide the industry’s best real-time hardware analysis capabilities. Utilizing Windows XP, the instruments ensure ease of integration with third-party software packages such as RapiTime. The combined Tektronix TLA logic analyzer and RapiTime software toolset are marketed globally by Rapita Systems.