ITTIA announced the availability of its DB-SQL lightweight, Linux-compatible SQL R-DBMS (relational database management system) for Freescale's ARM-based i.MX family of system-on-chips (SoCs). DB-SQL can support embedded-systems database functionality on i.MX-based devices including PDAs, portable media players, and industrial measurement systems, says the company.

In December, ITTIA announced the first SQL version of its low-footprint DB database. Like DB, which was called “Fuel” when first launched, DB-SQL boasts a runtime footprint measurable in kilobytes. In addition to matching DB's support for C/C++, it supports ANSI SQL-89 and “much of SQL 99 and SQL 2003,” ITTIA says.

In May of last year, ITTIA followed up with DB-SQL 2.5, which extends the embedded database to support Java programmers and developers who work with the similar C# (“C Sharp”) language used in Microsoft's .Net environment. Java applications can now execute SQL queries, or access tables directly with indexed search, via a JNI (Java native interface). In October, the company announced a Compact DB version that uses the same file formats and C/C++ API as DB-SQL, but can shed unneeded features to reduce device resource requirements.

DB-SQL in standalone (left) and client-server (right) modes

Freescale's Linux-ready line of ARM-based i.MX SoCs is targeted at a wide range of consumer electronics and portable equipment. Early models include the i.MX21, introduced in 2004, which is based on an ARM926EJ-S core. The company's subsequent i.MX27 processor is based on the same core, but adds on-chip video acceleration and more peripheral support. It was recently supported with a Freescale product development kit (PDK).

Another popular i.MX is the more powerful i.MX31, which first shipped in 2005, and quickly found its way into a variety of consumer, automotive, industrial, and general embedded devices. Based on an ARM1176JF-S core, the i.MX31 is clockable from 532MHz to 665MHz. Last year, Freescale announced a more power-efficient i.MX37 equipped with an ARM1176JZF-S core.

Last week, Freescale announced a new i.MX51 family of 1GHz-plus SoCs, which moves up to the ARM Cortex-A8 core. The first model to sample is the netbook-focused i.MX51.

Both DB-SQL and the i.MX family support Linux and Windows CE operating systems, says ITTIA. Yet in discussing development tools for i.MX, ITTIA mentions only the Freescale Linux BSP (Board Support Package) for i.MX application processors and the BSP's use of the Linux Target Image Builder (LTIB).

According to a statement by Sasan Montaseri, ITTIA President, DB-SQL for i.MX “reduces the learning curve, development cycle, time to market, and total cost of ownership for i.MX application developers.”

Availability

A free, 30-day evaluation of ITTIA DB-SQL is available now for i.MX developers, here, says ITTIA. The kit is said to contain a complete embedded database library, optional server, and SQL tools.

 
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