The European Community Initiative In Open Microprocessor Systems (omi)

The Open Microprocessor systems Initiative (OMI) is a European Community sponsored research and development programme aiming to provide a recognised microprocessor systems capability in Europe, and to promote its use in intelligent systems world-wide. The first phase of OM1 started in 1992 with 20 collaborative projects each contributing to the overall goal. A further 22 co-ordinated projects are being launched in 1993/94. About one hundred companies, research institutes and universities take part in OMI. The technical approach taken in the initiative is based on extending the concept of open systems to on-chip microprocessor systems and their associated systems soltware and tools. A framework and standards are being developed for an open, licensable library of interoperable “supercells”. The library is in parallel being populated with conformant supercells of a number of existing microprocessor architectures, new architectures, standard interconnect mechanisms, and other on-chip functions. Emphasis is given to the open software required to integrate on-chip systems from components of the supercell library. This software includes operating systems, tools, and portability mechanisms for applications. The use of open systems underpins an evolutionary and migratory approach, allowing Europe to capitalise 011 its strengths and alliances, at the sane titne allowing new hardware arid software technology to be easily introduced. OM1 is driven by the needs of systems integrators, and lrorn the start there has been strong interaction between suppliers of technology and their users. In the second phase of OMI, which is about to start, the viability of the hardware and software developed will be demonstrated in applications pilots in a number of domains, for example in automotive control, telecommunications and consumer electronics.