Imagination Technologies donate embedded systems kits for ECS students

Imagination Technologies, the leading multimedia and communications technologies company, has donated a set of embedded systems development kits to ECS-Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton.

The development systems, called METAmorphs, are based on a single chip SoC (system-on-chip) that incorporates both a META HTP multi-threaded processor core from Imagination’s META family, as well as Imagination’s ENSIGMA UCCP (Universal Communications Core Platform) radio-processing unit (RPU) to provide programmable multi-standard broadcast receiver and Wi-Fi connectivity tasks.

The META processor is ideal for both running operating systems such as Linux and Imagination’s MeOS™ real-time OS, as well as advanced 32-bit signal processing. This unique highly integrated SoC based development system provides a uniquely powerful research and development platform for students.

“We very much value our relationship with Imagination Technologies, which is pioneering innovation in electronics in the UK and internationally," said Professor Neil White, Head of ECS-Electronics and Computer Science. "By supporting student projects using Imagination’s latest technology, providing advice on industry needs, and by employing our students on placements, Imagination is helping to ensure that ECS can continue to provide the high level of graduates needed for future UK industrial success.â€?

The METAmorph systems give students access to the same technologies which have been deployed in millions of shipping products across the TV, set-top-box, digital and FM radio and connected audio markets. They will be used in the third-year module 'Real-time Computing and Embedded Systems', which is taken both by Computer Science and Electronic Engineering students.

Tony King-Smith, VP marketing, Imagination commented: “META and ENSIGMA UCCP technologies are enabling a new wave of what we call ‘connected processors’ – embedded processors with highly integrated communications and connectivity capabilities that will form the backbone of tomorrow’s M2M “everything connectedâ€? world.

"Experience with embedded devices connected to the Cloud and the technologies needed to enable end-to-end cloud-based services to those devices are a vital area of study for students looking to be ready for the era of the connected home and machine-to-machine communication. We’re delighted to be working with the University of Southampton to help train the next generation of connectivity-based embedded systems engineers.â€?

Dr Denis Nicole, Course Leader, commented: "Third-year students at Southampton are very grateful for these cutting-edge connected processor development systems from Imagination Technologies. Providing these systems will enable students on the Real-Time Systems course to develop a broad range of multi-threaded DSP programs using Imagination’s Codescape tools which are tightly integrated with the METAmorph platforms.

"Students are particularly encouraged to be using the same components that are found in the latest high street connected digital radios, and to be associated with one of the world’s most successful UK-based electronics companies, where some hope to make their future careers."

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For further information about this story, contact Joyce Lewis; tel.+44(0)23 8059 5453.