Embedded Java

Hello,

I am interested in embedded Java -- not in cell phones, PDAs, or
set-top boxes, but running on low end embedded processors for general
purpose embedded systems.

I have seen the Dallas Semiconductor (Maxim) TINI platform around for
years.  It is essentially a small Java virtual machine running on an
8051 (DS80C400).  This platform has attracted competitors such as
Systronix and Imsys/SNAP, who support the TINI form factor.

But I am wondering if these products are really used much in production
systems.  In my day job as an embedded software engineer, we invariably
squeeze every last nickel out of the hardware cost, and we would never
inflate our product cost or accept slower runtime performance (JVM
layer on the 8051) just to use a particular programming language.

Of course, I can imagine there are some low volume applications where
using Java somehow makes the numbers come out right, but I would think
that is the exception.

So what's the story?  Do people use these things in production
products, or are they really only used on the bench to experiment with
embedded Java?

Thanks.

Jim

jfathman@aol.com wrote:

> So what's the story?  Do people use these things in production
> products, or are they really only used on the bench to experiment with
> embedded Java?

They are used in special products where the ability to run Java apps is
part of the specification; for example, smartcards.

> So what's the story?  Do people use these things in production
> products, or are they really only used on the bench to experiment with
> embedded Java?

I don't know, but here's a link to a small embedded Java softcore
processor for FPGAs...

http://www.jopdesign.com/

I have no experience of the Java side of things, I have used Martin's
Cyclone board in a quick demonstration prototype.

Nial. 

jfathman@aol.com wrote:

> So what's the story?  Do people use these things in production
> products, or are they really only used on the bench to experiment with
> embedded Java?

I know of one person who used a similar Java based device for the html
control/status interface in robotic assembly units. I do not know the
details of implementation though.

Nial Stewart wrote:
>>So what's the story?  Do people use these things in production
>>products, or are they really only used on the bench to experiment with
>>embedded Java?
> 

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