Altium announces deployment enclosures for its NanoBoard 3000 FPGA-based development board

Altium has added an instant deployment option to its new NanoBoard 3000 FPGA development board. Designers can now take their FPGA-based designs from concept right through to deployment without the need to create a custom PCB.

The instant deployment options, requiring less time than it takes to brew and drink a cup of coffee, come from being able simply to clip the NanoBoard 3000 into a new range of enclosures designed in-house by Altium.

Their modular form lets designers deploy FPGA-based designs created and hosted on the NanoBoard 3000 in a number of different ways: on desks, on walls, in either commercial or industrial locations, in extended options for multiple board designs, without or without the TFT display that comes with the enclosures.

With the NanoBoard 3000, FPGA-based prototypes are designed in days. The new deployment option now means they are ready to be shipped to the field in minutes.

The design quality of the new enclosures means that designers will now relish presenting prototype designs to audiences as diverse as venture capitalists and engineering directors, as well as peers and field test teams.

And instantly deploying the NanoBoard 3000 in the new modular enclosures gives designers the option of creating small production runs in commercially attractive cases, again without being compelled to manufacture custom enclosures or custom PCBs.

Altium’s NanoBoard 3000 is a programmable design environment supplied complete with hardware, software, ready-to-use, royalty-free IP and a dedicated Altium Designer Soft Design license. This is a complete design environment that lets electronics designers construct sophisticated “soft” processor-based systems inside FPGAs without any prior FPGA expertise, specialist VHDL or Verilog skills. Designers simply use their existing board layout and systems design skills to construct, test and implement FPGA-based embedded systems. The supplied Altium Designer license lets them select, drag and drop the large range of IP blocks to add processors, memory controllers, peripherals and software stacks. Unlike alternative programmable design environments, designers no longer need to search the Web for drivers, peripherals or other software, and then have the hard work of integrating all these elements to make them work together.

The new NanoBoard 3000 enclosures mean that designers can now start with a purely “soft” prototype on the NanoBoard and then deploy it into the field. But Altium Designer’s unified architecture also gives them the option of upgrading to a board-level Altium Designer license and moving into custom PCB design. Their “soft” design work completed on the NanoBoard 3000 is simply ready to be used on their custom PCB.

Weeks are saved on getting high-quality proof-of-concept prototypes designed without any custom PCB design work required at all. Newcomers to FPGA design have a low-risk, low-cost design environment that has everything they need to get started. Experienced FPGA designers can use their expertise in new ways to focus on creating the intelligence of their products.

Altium’s first NanoBoard 3000 features a Xilinx Spartan 3AN FPGA. Two more NanoBoards, featuring Altera and Lattice FPGAs, are in manufacture and design. The new deployment enclosures will accommodate all these NanoBoard options.

The new enclosures for the NanoBoard 3000 are available now for a recommended retail price of US$129.

The NanoBoard 3000 is available for a recommended retail price of US$395 and includes a 12-month subscription to an Altium Designer Soft Design License that covers all software updates released by Altium during the 12-month subscription period.

Designers can purchase a NanoBoard 3000 by selecting the most appropriate online distributor from Altium’s Web site. The new enclosures will be available from the same distributors.

Information on Altium Designer is on Altium’s Web site. More detailed information on Altium Designer and the new NanoBoard 3000 is at the Altium Wiki.

Altium Limited provides next generation electronics design software. Altium’s unified electronics design environment links all aspects of electronics product design into one process, in a single application. This helps electronics designers harness the latest devices and technologies, manage their projects across broad design ‘ecosystems’, and create connected, intelligent designs. For more information, visit www.altium.com.

Altium, Altium Designer and LiveDesign, and their respective logos, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Altium Limited, or its subsidiaries. All other registered or unregistered trademarks mentioned in this release are the property of their respective owners, and no trademark rights to the same are claimed.

Located on Yas Island, Aldar’s brand new Retail, Leisure and Entertainment destination and host venue for the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is set to be the world’s largest indoor theme park and the first ever Ferrari theme park in the world when it opens in 2010.

The iconic sleek red roof directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body covers a surface area of 200,000m2 and features the largest Scuderia Ferrari “prancing horse” emblem in the world, measuring 66m in diameter. 35,000 tonnes m3 of concrete, 12,370 tonnes of steel, 29,000 m2 of facade glazing and 165,000 m2 of roof cladding were used to create the park’s superstructure which was completed in 14 months. Over 4,500 workers have been involved in this major construction project on a daily basis.

A joint venture management construction company owned by Aldar and Besix, the largest Belgian construction group, is responsible for the management of the project, whilst UK firm Benoy is the architect and lead consultant.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be operated by Farah Leisure Park Management LLC (Farah), a joint venture between Aldar and ProFun Management Group.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be an intense multi-sensory experience and a must-visit venue for enthusiasts, fans and families. It pays tribute to the passion, excellence, performance and technical innovation that Ferrari has established over the years and represents today. The Park will host over 20 state-of-the-art attractions, each designed to bring to life a different part of the Ferrari story. This includes the world’s fastest rollercoaster, travelling at speeds exceeding 200 km/h emulating the thrilling sensation of being in a Ferrari F1 car, the G-force experience that takes passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ride up over 62 m through the roof and back down again, as well as an aerial voyage over Italy, following a Ferrari. The unique experiences offered at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be complemented by a wide variety of Italian delicacies and unique shopping experiences.

Mohammed Al Mubarak, Chief Commercial Officer, Aldar Properties and Chairman of Farah Leisure Park Management LLC, commented: “We are delighted to have reached this landmark in the development of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Signature projects like this are another element of our commitment and contribution to Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, by delivering attractions that further enhance the Emirate’s credentials as an exciting place to live and visit. We are proud to be a part of bringing Ferrari to Abu Dhabi and giving our citizens and visitors alike the opportunity to share in the passion and excitement of these initiatives.”

Piero Ferrari, Vice Chairman, Ferrari Spa, added: “With the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix just days away, this milestone is a fantastic demonstration of the blossoming relationship between Abu Dhabi and Ferrari. Abu Dhabi’s involvement with Ferrari is emblematic of our collective commitment to quality and tradition linked with innovation and vision.”

Aldar Properties PJSC is Abu Dhabi’s leading property development, management and investment company. It listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities market in 2004. Aldar was established to support the region’s infrastructure through the creation of high quality, attractive and sustainable communities equipped with residential, commercial, retail, leisure, hospitality, education and medical facilities.

Aldar’s diverse property portfolio includes major developments and re-developments within Abu Dhabi including Yas Island, Al Raha Beach, Central Market, Al Falah, Nareel Island, and Noor Al Ain. The company owns over 50 million square metres of land in strategic locations throughout the Emirate.

Aronson Technology Services, the business unit responsible for A&C Sage sales and support, has been servicing the Mid-Atlantic region for more than a decade and are eager to have the chance to broaden their client base. They have developed a unique service strategy, bringing together a wide variety of industry-specific products and services that work in tandem to help companies in the construction and real estate industries achieve their goals. A&C has provided assurance, tax, and consulting services to the construction and real estate industries since their inception in 1962, and A&C’s Construction Industry Services Group also works hand-in-hand with the firm’s well-respected Government Contract Services Group to create industry-specific solutions for construction companies hoping to cash in on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus opportunities.

“Now, more than ever, given the state of the economy and real estate market, construction companies across the country are looking for ways to prepare their business for Stimulus Package opportunities,” commented Lisa J. Cines, A&C Managing Officer. She continued, “Investing in technology solutions like Sage Timberline Office and Master Builder is a great way to streamline a company’s back office and make them more profitable and efficient.”

Sage has a growing portfolio of business management solutions specifically tailored for the construction and real estate industries. The portfolio is designed to provide support through the growth cycle of a business and includes: Peachtree by Sage Premium Accounting for Construction and Sage Master Builder. For medium to large companies, Sage Timberline Office offers integrated financial, operations and estimating software and provides the most sophisticated level of functionality in the Sage portfolio of construction solutions.

As the Mid-Atlantic region’s premier accounting and consulting firm, Aronson & Company has built a tradition of excellence spanning nearly 50 years. Hundreds of dedicated business experts provide innovative solutions designed specifically for each client. A&C specializes in comprehensive audit, tax and consulting services for clients ranging from individual taxpayers up through publicly traded companies poised for continued success.

A&C’s professionals stay ahead of trends to meet and exceed expectations through their unique combination of personal service and innovative expertise. Dedicated to providing a complete financial solution, A&C is more than just a typical accounting firm – we are a trusted advisor to our clients. In 2008 and 2007, A&C was named one of the Metro area’s Best Places to Work by the Washington Business Journal.

“Managing high-risk construction projects requires being able to view and report on activity across all projects in a consistent, timely way,” said Laura Dowling, director of information systems for WELBRO Building Corporation. “WELBRO relies on Constructware to help create workflows used by project teams, as well as corporate management, to more smoothly integrate our business processes across our portfolio. I’m excited to see Autodesk continue to improve Constructware.”

“Constructware was a key part of our overall technology systems overhaul,” said Jason Bentley, director of business systems for Balfour Beatty Construction. “The new features in the 2010 version will give us better access to data – enabling us to include Constructware in reporting across all our core systems.”

Data Accessibility and Reporting Enhancements

Constructware 2010 offers reporting and data access improvements to help retrieve meaningful data while maintaining the integrity of project information. Key enhancements include:

>  Reporting Data Download – Constructware 2010 users can now subscribe
to a periodic update of their reporting data, packaged and easily
downloaded.

> Bundled Reports – This new capability makes it possible to bundle
reports into one convenient package.

Interoperability Enhancements

A hallmark feature of Autodesk Constructware is the flexibility to view, mark up and upload not only Autodesk file formats, but also other CAD files and office documents. Constructware 2010 continues this tradition by offering owners and contractors more options to configure the software to better fit their specific business needs, including an upgraded viewing component that now supports AutoCAD 2009 files and the latest formats produced by other design tools in the market.

Usability and Flexibility Enhancements
> User Interface Configuration – Allows customers to configure more
module and field names to match their business requirements.

> Administrative Flexibility – New features make it easier to administer
users and site configuration.

“Construction project management is a critical function for owners and contractors,” said Rick Rundell, senior director, simulation product line, Autodesk AEC Solutions. “We are delighted to collaborate with our customers to continue evolving our Constructware offerings to better meet and anticipate their needs.”

As Autodesk Constructware is a SaaS application delivered over the web, the new features are available immediately to end-users with a Subscription to Autodesk Constructware.

Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software to help customers experience their ideas digitally before they are built. Fortune 100 companies — as well as the last 14 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects — use Autodesk software tools to design, visualize and simulate their ideas to save time and money, enhance quality, and foster innovation for competitive advantage. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD and Constructware are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.