General Dynamics Broadband Brings Virtualization to Xilinx Zynq-7000 All Programmable SoC

CHICAGO, Oct. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics Broadband, a provider of embedded virtualization software for mobile and connected devices, today announced plans to support the Xilinx® Zynq™-7000 All Programmable SoC family of devices with its OKL4 Microvisor software development kit (SDK).  The OKL4 Microvisor is an industry-leading embedded virtualization platform for mobile security and automotive applications. The OKL4 SDK for Zynq-7000 AP SoCs will provide defense-grade security for mission-critical software and sensitive data against destructive program code and other malware.

"Our ability to support the Xilinx Zynq-7000 family builds upon the successful use of the OKL4 Microvisor in the aerospace, defense and automotive markets," said Steve Subar, vice president and general manager of Secure Mobility for General Dynamics Broadband.  "Intelligent-device manufacturers can address compute-intensive applications as well as host modern operating systems including Linux, Android, RTOSes and others with the OKL4 Microvisor in a Zynq-7000 device."

"The OKL4 Microvisor SDK and the Zynq-7000 All Programmable SoC are ideal for applications requiring advanced system control together with sophisticated signal processing," commented Larry Getman, vice president of Processing Platforms for Xilinx. "Virtualization allows system developers to match several custom peripherals or accelerators within the programmable logic, to the best operating system. The result is a solution that offers high performance, lower power consumption and reduced footprint."

The combination of hardware-enforced bare-metal (Type I) virtualization supported by the OKL4 Microvisor and multi-core ARM Cortex-A9 processors, programmable logic, and other features enables original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to take advantage of the flexible programming model of the Zynq-7000 AP SoC. Using the integrated programmable logic, developers can create "virtual" peripherals, perform high-frequency signal processing (e.g., for high-quality audio) and even implement logic for accelerating processing of critical tasks, to address new applications while lowering systems costs.

The OKL4 Microvisor SDK for Xilinx Zynq-7000 family products enables:

• Integration of diverse software stacks on a single processor, each in a distinct secure environment (OKL4 Microvisor "cells"), such as classified and unclassified information separation in high-assurance environments and isolation of safety-critical and consumer software in automotive applications;
• Incorporation of unique operating systems for system control and application hosting on a single SoC, with controlled access to both traditional peripherals and ones implemented using programmable logic;
• Simultaneous hosting of multiple popular embedded operating systems, including Linux, Android, QNX, AUTOSAR and other embedded real-time systems, each executing in its own protected cell;
• Fine-grained and rigorous access control across cells, with the OKL4 Microvisor leveraging processor hardware to enforce security policy, with secure sharing of display, audio, storage, networking and other peripherals implemented in programmable logic;
• High-performance, with fast booting and run-time rebooting of individual cells, and deterministic responsiveness for real-time applications, even under heavy system load; and
• Efficient utilization of multiple ARM Cortex-A9 cores via dynamic Symmetric Multi Processing balancing.

The Zynq-7000 All Programmable SoC combines the software programmability of a processor with the hardware programmability of an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), resulting in unrivaled levels of system performance, flexibility, scalability while providing system benefits in terms of power reduction, lower cost with fast time to market. Learn more at http://www.xilinx.com/zynq

General Dynamics Broadband, a subsidiary of General Dynamics C4 Systems, is a leader in the critical communications industry delivering wireless broadband solutions and security to enable operational scenarios within public safety, critical infrastructure, defense and enterprise markets globally.  The organization combines expertise in building and integrating complex communication networks with in-house developed 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless broadband and secure wireless mesh networks. It also specializes in advanced techniques for securing wireless communication including 'Suite B' commercial solutions for classified encryption and virtualization software.

With the recent acquisition of OK Labs, General Dynamics Broadband is now a global leader in virtualization software for securing wireless communications, applications and content. Its software is deployed on more than 1.6 billion devices worldwide, enabling security for wireless access of corporate and government assets while protecting everything that runs on the device. Chipset suppliers, mobile and automotive OEMs, national security agencies and contractors, mobile network operators, and enterprise IT depend on General Dynamics Broadband Secure Mobility technologies and products to deliver high-assurance solutions that decrease cost, reduce complexity and speed time-to-market.

More information on General Dynamics Broadband products and services is available at
www.gd-broadband.com and www.ok-labs.com.

Web Links of Interest

OKL4 Microvisor                               http://www.ok-labs.com/products/okl4-microvisor

GD Broadband Virtualization Blog       http://www.ok-labs.com/community/company-blog

Xilinx Zynq-7000 AP SoC                   http://www.xilinx.com/zynq

Open Kernel Labs, OK Labs, Microvisor™ and Secure HyperCell™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Open Kernel Labs or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

SOURCE General Dynamics Broadband