Tornado 2.0 (vxWorks 5.4) & niCpu030

[luchini@SLAC.Stanford.EDU]

Hello All,

Here at SLAC we have just received the WindRiver 
Tornado 2.0 with VxWorks 5.4. upgrade. Foolishly 
I expected a fairly easy install. However, it seems 
that we have hit a bit of a snag since the
niCup030 BSP is no longer supported.

When I called National Instruments I discovered that
the niCpu030 is being discontinued. It seems that can no 
longer obtain parts for this module. NI is currently 
having a clearance sale to get rid of their remaining 
stock of the niCup030.

The National Instruments solution to an upgrade for
the niCpu030 is the VXIpc-850,860 or 860 pentium
based platform which are supported by vxWorks.
The current think at SLAC is that we would prefer 
not to change platforms if possible.

Since a number of other institutions in the EPICS 
collaboration are using the niCpu030 I was
wondering what is currently being considered to 
eventually replace the niCpu030.

Ric Claus suggested that we consider Kinetic Systems' 
offerings as well as the Motorola 68060 and PPC based 
VXI controller board, and the possibility of 
taking a look at the WindRiver BSP Porting Kit.

I'd appreciate any feedback on this subject.

    - Thanks,
        Kristi Luchini