QNX Software Development Platform

What QNX Software Development Platform is

QNX Software Development Platform (QNX SDP 8.0) is a development platform for mission-critical and safety-critical embedded systems. Its components include QNX OS 8.0, the QNX Tool Suite, QNX Software Center, and Board Support Packages. QNX OS 8.0 is fully pre-emptive, with strict timing constraints and guaranteed response times. QNX describes it as near-linearly scalable across systems-on-chip with 2 to 64 CPU cores, and lists Armv8, Armv9, and x86-64 target architectures.

Development tools include the Eclipse-based QNX Momentics IDE, a toolkit for Visual Studio Code, and command-line profiling and debugging tools. Build options include the QNX system builder and command-line build tools. Listed security features include secure boot, QNX Trusted Disk, Pathtrust, ASLR, OpenSSL 3, and FIPS 140-2 crypto libraries. MotionWise Schedule integrates with QNX tracing for time-triggered scheduling and data-flow-driven execution; the page states ISO 26262 ASIL B and ISO/SAE 21434. QNX Accelerate provides access to cloud hardware targets running QNX technology.

The product is aimed at next-generation platforms using SoCs with four or more CPU cores, including mission-critical IoT systems. QNX was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. Pricing for a commercial license is available on request. A 30-day commercial evaluation is offered, while individual non-commercial use has a free license option.

Who it suits

QNX SDP 8.0 is suited to developers building mission-critical or safety-critical embedded systems, including mission-critical IoT systems. QNX describes it as a fit for next-generation platforms with SoCs of four or more CPU cores.

Limits

The free non-commercial license is for individual non-commercial use and excludes commercial evaluation, development, and production use. The free commercial trial lasts 30 days; commercial development requires a commercial license, and shipping requires a separate distribution license.

Getting started

1. Open the QNX SDP 8.0 product page.
2. Create a myQNX account for the non-commercial license, or choose the 30-day commercial trial for evaluation.
3. Select a supported development host: Windows, Linux, or macOS.
4. Use QNX Software Center and the QNX Tool Suite with QNX OS 8.0.
5. Contact sales for details on a commercial license and package options.

Verdict

Consider QNX SDP 8.0 for mission-critical embedded development that needs its real-time OS, listed tools, and supported target architectures. Individual non-commercial use is free, but commercial development requires a commercial license, and shipping requires a separate distribution license.