qCF software for ARTIC cards

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4173 State Street
Santa Barbara
CA 93110 USA

tel 805-681-1191
fax 805-681-1202
info@quadron.com
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qCF SOFTWARE FOR ARTIC

Quadron's qCF is a C-language software development and enhanced runtime support package for ARTIC communication cards. It supports multiple tasks running on the co-processor as well as programs on the host workstation or PC which interact with ARTIC cards. Versions of qCF are available for Linux, Windows NT, Windows 2000/XP operating systems.

HIGHLIGHTS OF qCF FOR ARTIC CARDS:

Create complex multi-tasking, interrupt driven applications with tasks interconnected by simple yet powerful qCF Input/Output streams.
Includes I/O drivers for HDLC / SDLC frames (with or without DMA), BISYNC frames and ASYNC (frame or character).
Supports Linux, Windows NT & 2000/XP operating systems.
Write tasks using qCF streams which will run on either ARTIC or the PC, generally with no changes to C source code.
Program uses industry standard C compilers.
ARTIC tasks have access to standard C library functions including PC disk I/O, time and date functions, floating point math and strings.
High-level task-to-task, PC to ARTIC queued message interface based on simple read/write calls.
All I/O drivers are interrupt driven and fully buffered.
Symbolic realtime analysis tool for debugging and gathering performance data.
Extensive communications statistics gathering facilities.
Other Quadron software can run simultaneously on the same ARTIC card.

Putting ARTIC to work qCF and ARTIC represent a major advance in PC multi-tasking capabilities. Together they free PC applications from the demands of complex, high speed communications protocols. I/O intensive and time-dependent portions of an application can be off-loaded to the co-processor.

qCF enhances ARTIC by providing a unified application development interface, making it easy to take advantage of multiple, concurrently operating, general purpose processors.

It provides the bridge that allows programs written with standard C compilers to be run directly on ARTIC. It provides all the necessary elements for high-level inter-task communication, memory management, task management, and I/O support.

Open architecture The open architecture of qCF allows application programs to access the full range of PC and concurrent processor resources. Through the facilities of qCF, programs running in the concurrent processors have access to physical resources in the PC such as Disk and Expanded Memory.

qCF is the ideal application development vehicle for OEMs, system houses and end users. While freeing the designer from the need to deal with low-level ARTIC internals, qCF does not limit the designer's range of options and possibilities.

Shortened development time The qCF environment lets developers code and debug co-processor applications with the same types of tools that they have for PC applications. For example, the developer can view real-time co-processor task activity in one window, while simultaneously editing, compiling, or loading other tasks in another window.

qCF tools not only provide symbolic examination of all co-processor tasks, but also display CPU availability, free memory, interprocess message status, and monitoring of communication statistics for each port. Just as qCF reduces development time, its tools similarly reduce product support cost.

Technical support Quadron provides consistently high levels of service and support. In addition to material in the user manual and on this web site, free telephone, email and fax technical support, plus product upgrades are available during the warranty period. Since 1986, Quadron has been assisting developers with custom software, training, workshops, and ARTIC development. Contact Quadron for more information regarding custom programming, consulting, and other support services.

Ease of writing A minimum of training is required for programmers already familiar with their operating system and C. "qCF streams" reduces the design of complicated multi-tasking applications to simple open/close and read/write concepts. Starting from sample programs that are supplied with the qCF Developer's Toolkit, programmers can begin developing ARTIC applications immediately.

Hands-on workshops For customers who wish to acquire the strongest foundation for development as quickly as possible, Quadron offers custom hands-on training. This training is available at either the Quadron offices in Santa Barbara, or at the customer's site. Two training days will provide developers with an in-depth look at the considerable power of the qCF development environment, while getting a start on their actual application.

Software requirements
To develop and run qCF applications for any supported operating system, you will need:

    Quadron qCF Developer's Toolkit
    Quadron qCF Runtime Support

For Linux, you will also need:

    Microsoft Visual C++ version 1.52, or
    Microsoft C Compiler, version 6

For Windows NT or 2000, you will also need:

    Microsoft Visual C++ version 1.52 for the ARTIC, and
    Microsoft Visual C++ version 4.2 for the host PC

For OS/2 or DOS, you will also need:

    Microsoft C Compiler, version 6.

Hardware requirements In addition to a host PC computer, many members of the ARTIC family of communication cards can be used. Contact Quadron for info.

How to order
There are two qCF components, the Developer's Toolkit and the Runtime Support, both of which are needed to create a communications solution. Note that for Linux, they come in one package, and that OS/2 and DOS are bundled together.

Order the following for your operating system:

    Part # 5400 --- qCF for Linux

    Part # 8402 --- qCF Developer's Toolkit for Windows 2000
    Part # 8502 --- qCF Runtime Support for Windows 2000

    Part # 9402 --- qCF Developer's Toolkit for Windows NT
    Part # 9502 --- qCF Runtime Support for Windows NT

    Part # 7402 --- qCF Developer's Toolkit for OS/2 & DOS
    Part # 7502 --- qCF Runtime Support for OS/2 & DOS

How to order ARTIC hardware Quadron maintains a stock of ARTIC cards and components for sale and immediate delivery. Our technical sales people can help you select the combination that best suits your particular application.

How to learn more Communications has been our only business since Quadron was founded in 1986. Since then, we've been assisting people with stock and custom software, training, and the finest ARTIC development tools. Phone, email or fax us any time.