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GuruCE Blog

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Embedded BSPs for i.MX and Windows Embedded Compact

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Type
Open Source
Company
GuruCE

About GuruCE Blog

GuruCE is an embedded software company specializing in Board Support Packages (BSPs) for NXP i.MX processors, with a focus on Windows Embedded Compact (WEC7 and WEC2013). Their blog provides technical insights, bug fixes, and updates on hardware changes (e.g., Congatec QMX6 revisions), along with solutions for common Windows CE development issues such as debugging tools and scheduler bugs. The company offers BSPs for i.MX6, i.MX53 (Opal), i.MX25 (Topaz), and an i.MX FlexCAN driver, with direct support channels for customers.

Key Features

Windows Embedded Compact 7 (WEC7) BSP support
Windows Embedded Compact 2013 (WEC2013) BSP support
i.MX6 BSP with support for Congatec QMX6 hardware revisions
i.MX FlexCAN Driver
i.MX53 (Opal) BSP
i.MX25 (Topaz) BSP
Custom fixes for known WEC bugs (e.g., high-priority thread scheduling, i.MX6 ENET PADEN silicon bug)
Direct support channels for BSP-related issues

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Provides detailed, real-world technical solutions for embedded Windows CE developers
  • Covers specific hardware revisions and silicon bugs with practical fixes
  • Offers direct contact for custom BSP support and fixes
  • Free access to valuable technical knowledge without registration
  • Regular updates on hardware change notifications from Congatec
Cons
  • Content is highly specialized to i.MX processors and Windows Embedded Compact, limiting applicability to other platforms
  • Blog posts are infrequent (last post April 2024, with gaps of several months)
  • No interactive community or forum for broader discussion
  • Requires deep technical knowledge of embedded systems and Windows CE to fully utilize

Best For

Finding solutions to Windows Embedded Compact development issues on i.MX platformsStaying informed about hardware changes (e.g., Congatec PCN) affecting BSP compatibilityAccessing workarounds for i.MX processor bugs (e.g., ENET RCR PADEN)Obtaining custom BSP fixes for WEC7 and WEC2013Learning about debugging tools like Platform Builder Debug Package

FAQ

Does GuruCE support the new Congatec QMX6 hardware revision E.2 for Windows Embedded Compact?
Yes, GuruCE can support the new revision Congatec QMX6 for WEC7 and WEC2013 in their iMX6 BSP, despite the manufacturer's statement that Windows Embedded Compact BSPs are not available for that revision.
What causes the 'PBDbgPkg Package did not load correctly' error in Platform Builder?
The error occurs because the Platform Builder Debug Package requires the Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable package. Installing both the x86 and x64 versions should resolve the issue.
Is Windows Embedded Compact an RTOS?
No, Windows Embedded Compact is not an RTOS. There is a known bug where high-priority threads can be delayed for extended periods. GuruCE has fixed this issue locally for both WEC7 and WEC2013 in their BSPs.
How can I fix the iMX6 ENET RCR PADEN silicon bug?
The bug affects Gbps connections when small frames with 0 data bytes are received, causing no error indication. GuruCE's blog post describes the issue and recommends checking the ENET module configuration. Contact GuruCE for specific fix details.