QNX fast boot on Intel Atom / Kontron nanoETXexpress-SP

A look at how the QNX Neutrino RTOS allows x86 systems based on the Intel Atom to boot in 1 second or less. According to QNX:

"QNX fastboot technology... eliminates the need for a BIOS on x86 platforms, including those that support Intel Atom processors, thereby reducing hardware costs and dramatically improving instant-on performance. Systems designers can use QNX fastboot technology to improve startup times for a wide variety of automotive, medical, industrial, military, and consumer products."

This video compares boot times with and without a BIOS. With a BIOS, the system takes 17 seconds to boot. With QNX fastboot technology, which eliminates the need for a BIOS, the system boots and launches an OpenGL ES application in 1 second. The software (QNX Neutrino RTOS, OpenGL ES application, etc.) is the same in both cases.

Fast boot times like these can, in some cases, eliminate the need for low-power modes. For instance, if a device is used only intermittently, the user could simply power it down when not in use -- there's no need to use a low-power mode to ensure a relatively fast wakeup. The result is longer battery life.

For info on QNX and the Intel Atom, visit: http://www.qnx.com/download/download/18173/qnx_intel_atom_ds_p3.pdf

For info on QNX fastboot technology on the Kontron nanoETXexpress-SP, visit: http://www.qnx.com/news/pr_3024_1.html

Thanks to Dave Green for performing the demo, to Kroy Zeviar for shooting the video, and to Kontron for supplying the hardware.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Intel
• Atom
• QNX
• Neutrino
• Kontron
• nanoETXexpress-SP
• fast
• boot
• fastboot
• power
• management
• x86
• OpenGL
• ES
• computer

[tanner1985]

wow

[MaximoPach]

Brillian¡ QNx is just brilliant¡ a RTOS amazing¡

[Nick3Brothers3D]

I love it! you guys we're way ahead of the game, even back then!

Nice work! are you Canadians? My oldest Sister was born in Canada!

[the747videoer]

it takes 10 seconds for me to boot up =)

[movax20h]

How about running it from ROM? Or copying only small part and mounting rest of ROM as a read only file system?

[Uncompetative]

I see. So QNX is faster because it is lazier.

;-)

[rennieallen]

@Greyh0und

EFI is not a competitor to QNX. EFI is just a new architecture for a BIOS. QNX can boot from EFI just fine, but it will always boot faster with its own IPL (since going through EFI is always going to imply an extra step).

[Greyh0und]

Because MS does NOT sell PCs, just the OS.

Although there is a 'competitor program' for QNX called United EFI, which should replace BIOS in a few years :)

[MaximoPach]

jejej well cause of the fucking bad job of cameranan¡ you could be right jejejej

[cobrachoppergirl]

why copy it to ram, why not run it right off the rom?