"Essential toolset"

"Cleanscape XTC-1750A was essential to the successful conclusion of this custom project for NASA. This tool set enabled us to complete our design and meet our delivery schedule."

"Daryl", Principal Software Engineer

"Superior support"

"The technical support we experienced from Cleanscape was superior."

"Daryl"

Aerospace company delivers embedded system for NASA on-time and in-budget with Cleanscape toolset

Case Study Summary

Application

Aerospace: Embedded systems development

Project

SAGE III, a fourth generation data command and telemetry control system for a satellite-borne that serves as a crucial element in NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS).

Issues

To assure its embedded systems could withstand the extremes of space, Globe Aerospace & Technologies Corporation (a fictional name) specified a MIL-STD-1750A processor for a data command and telemetry control system it was building for a NASA spacecraft. They selected the MIL-STD-1750A chip because it is specially-build to withstand the environmental extremes of space.

In spite of the robustness of the processor, MIL-STD-1750A development seemed to require using legacy languages, for which there were limited tools, talent, and resources. This threatened to drive development costs higher and increase production time.

Criteria

• Develop a reliable, efficient system that performs flawlessly in the extremes of space.
• Reduce costs, while delivering system within schedule.

Alternatives

Program in Ada.

As a legacy language, this option was seen as being responsible for a projected strain on budget, resources, and schedule. However, because these were originally specified as requirements in MIL-STD-1750A specifications, there seemed to be no alternative.

Program in a common language.

By finding a way to program for MIL-STD-1750A architecture using a modern programming language, Globe could facilitate easier access to tools, talent, and resources. Changes in MIL-STD-1750A specifications opened an alternative to legacy languages: "C". One commercially supported development environment fit the bill: XTC-1750A, the first "C" cross-development environment for MIL-STD-1750A architecture.

Solution

Cleanscape XTC-1750A became an essential toolset for helping Bell develop its custom project for NASA. By allowing Globe to develop for MIL-STD-1750A architecture in "C", XTC-1750 was essential for enabling Globe to develop an efficient and dependable system, while delivering the project on time and in budget.

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