Munich, Germany – Avionics Europe 2011 – March 16, 2011 – Presagis™, a leading provider of commercial-off-the shelf (COTS) modeling, simulation, and embedded graphics solutions, today announced that Cassidian, the defence and security division of aerospace group EADS, has purchased the Presagis SeaWind OpenGL Software Driver and S3 Graphics 2300E Graphics Processing Unit (2300E GPU) solution for their digital map application. With this purchase, Cassidian is taking advantage of the specific technical capabilities offered by this combined Presagis and S3 Graphics solution to build an embedded system with a digital map that they will deploy on a variety of aircraft.
“Cassidian carefully evaluated the OpenGL software drivers and chips on the market and we selected the combination of Presagis and S3 for the performance, scalability, and dependability of their offering,” said Andreas Schacht, Head of Avionics Driver & Support Software, Cassidian. “We look for vendors who can provide us with the best technology and services, as well as vendors whom we can rely on for long term support and supply as we deploy our avionics applications in the coming years.”
The recently announced SeaWind and SeaWind-178 OpenGL software driver support for the S3 Graphics 2300E GPU provides Presagis customers like Cassidian with access to a new graphics processor and OpenGL software driver that are optimized for a variety of applications; including traditional cockpit displays, next generation menu-based displays and digital maps for cockpits in both certifiable and non-certifiable programs. SeaWind for the S3 2300E GPU includes support for OpenGL 1.5, GLX, and X11R7. SeaWind-178 for the S3 2300E GPU includes complete support for certification up through Level A of a full OpenGL SC 1.0.1 environment.
“Digital moving maps, 3D, and video capture, are clearly the forefront of development in embedded avionics,” said Robert Kopersiewich, Vice President and Product Segment Lead for Embedded Graphics at Presagis. “We are very excited by Cassidian’s choice of our SeaWind drivers with the S3 2300E GPU, as it underscores the Presagis belief that in bringing the best GPUs to market, coupled with OpenGL software drivers engineered for safety as well as performance, we are enabling our clients to fully exploit graphics technology in embedded applications.”
The 2300E GPU is a performant and highly efficient chip, operating with less power consumption than the industry norm making it well suited to deployment in cockpits. The Presagis—S3 Graphics development relationship, and associated SeaWind driver support of the 2300E GPU, represent a major milestone for certifiable graphics chips by offering a simpler GPU architecture, a DO-254 data package, and a platform upon which to base development for the long term.
By purchasing this combined solution, customers, like Cassidian, are able to take advantage of the latest GPU technology on the market while avoiding the time-consuming and costly process of developing OpenGL software drivers in-house. In addition, Presagis also provides customers with associated services for the new GPU. These services include delivering customized hardware design support for customers assembling proprietary systems with the 2300E GPU.
About Presagis SeaWind & SeaWind-178 OpenGL Software
Built following stringent DO-178B guidelines, SeaWind-178 Certifiable Graphics Software can be certified up to Design Assurance Level A, the highest level possible. The SeaWind-178 family of products is based on the OpenGL SC 1.0 API and includes additional optional modules that support specific application requirements, including video, windowing, digital maps, and custom APIs. This modular set of components allows customers to purchase and certify only the software they actually need, thereby minimizing the memory footprint of the software as well as the amount of software that must be certified on the customer device. As the Chair of the OpenGL Working Group of Khronos, Presagis is committed to the development and growth of the OpenGL standard.
About the S3 Graphics 2300E GPU
The S3 Graphics 2300E graphics processor brings 3D gaming performance and HD video capture to embedded applications requiring advanced multimedia capabilities in heat and power constrained environments. The 2300E GPU measures 23mm x 23mm and is ideal in compact and small form factor embedded systems, requiring a fanless graphics solution with advanced display connectivity. Combining longevity, portability, performance and value, the S3 Graphics 2300E offers an ideal balance of low power and scalability for multimedia-intensive applications.
About Presagis
Presagis is a global leader providing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) modeling, simulation and embedded graphics solutions to the aerospace and defense markets and is the only developer to deliver a unified COTS software portfolio based on open-standards. Presagis combines cutting-edge technology with innovative services to help customers streamline development workflows, reduce project risks, create detailed models and complex simulations, in addition to developing DO-178B certifiable applications. The company services more than 1,000 active customers worldwide, including many of the world’s most respected organizations such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, BAE Systems and CAE. For more information, visit www.presagis.com.