QNX Brings Power of Multi-Core to In-Car Infotainment with Renesas

OTTAWA, Aug. 25, 2008 -- QNX Software Systems today announced that it is working with Renesas Technology Corp. to accelerate the adoption of multi-core technology for in-car infotainment and navigation systems. As part of this joint effort, QNX has added support for the Renesas SH7786 dual-core processor to the QNX(R) Neutrino(R) RTOS and the QNX Momentics(R) development suite.

The increasing features and complexity of in-car multimedia and navigation systems are demanding more computing power than ever. A conventional single-core processor supporting these functions would have to operate at speeds that exceed the strict limits on heat, electromagnetic interference, and power consumption imposed by the automobile. Consequently, automakers and Tier One suppliers are turning to multi-core processors, which can deliver the required boost in performance while satisfying these demanding requirements.

QNX offers the embedded industry's most comprehensive and mature multi-core solution. The QNX Neutrino RTOS supports symmetric (SMP), bound (BMP), and asymmetric (AMP) multiprocessing models. The QNX Momentics development suite provides powerful debugging and performance-visualization tools designed to optimize multi-core systems. Using this solution, software engineers can quickly build reliable, high-performance embedded products that leverage Renesas SH-4A multi-core processors.

The Renesas SH7786 multi-core processor incorporates dual SH-4A cores, the high-end 32-bit CPU core in the Renesas SuperH Family. The SH7786 processor yields high-performance capabilities for multimedia systems, 3D navigation units, and other demanding automotive applications. The processor, built with a 65nm process, will support both symmetric (SMP) and asymmetric (AMP) multiprocessing.

"With the SH7786, we are unleashing the power of multi-core processing to bring new levels of intensity and user experience to consumer products, including automotive navigation systems," said Tsutomu Miki, managing officer, deputy executive general manager of MCU business group, and general manager of the automotive semiconductor business unit at Renesas Technology Corp. "With its many years of experience in supporting multi-core and working with the top automakers in the world, QNX Software Systems is a valuable partner for bringing these new applications to market quickly and reliably."

"By using our OS and multi-core development tools with the Renesas SH7786 processor, automotive developers will be well equipped to take full advantage of the speed and performance benefits of multi-core," said Andrew Poliak, director of worldwide automotive sales at QNX Software Systems. "Multi-core processors, such as the SH7786, represent the future of high-performance embedded applications in automotive, and QNX will continue to work with its partners to help customers leverage the full power of multi-core technology."

QNX and In-car Infotainment

More than 180 car models worldwide use QNX Software technology for an array of telematics and infotainment products -- everything from hands-free cell phone kits to high-end multimedia and navigation systems. Besides providing the ultra-reliable QNX Neutrino RTOS, QNX Software Systems offers instant-on technology for ultra-fast bootup times, advanced 2D/3D graphics for navigation displays, multimedia frameworks, fault-tolerant file systems, and a variety of other technologies optimized for the automotive market.