"We were delighted with the large number of highly innovative entries from embedded system developers in the various categories," says Prof. Axel Sikora, Chairman of the jury and the embedded world advisory board. "And so the jury was once again spoiled for choice. However, we see this as a sign of the innovative strength and dynamism of this industry. The award is embedded world's thanks and recognition for outstanding players," continued Sikora. With the 'Embedded Award', trade fair organizer NürnbergMesse annually honours products that drive the embedded industry and the Internet of Things forward in a special way.

Winner in the 'Tools' category

In the 'Tools' category, the company Göpel Electronic won with its 'ChipVORX-SI'. The 'Embedded Award 2019' was presented by Richard Krowoza (NürnbergMesse, left) and Prof. Axel Sikora (jury chairman, right).

© NürnbergMesse, Frank Boxler

To reduce the effort required for design validation and production testing of modern, complex, high-density assemblies, Göpel Electronic has developed 'ChipVORX-SI' (Synthetic Instruments) - an innovative technology for the automated use of existing FPGAs as test centers integrated into the design. ChipVORX-SI' uses the native functions of the FPGA for the configuration of so-called embedded instruments and the execution of certain test functions. These instruments, known as 'ChipVORX IP', are automatically generated by the user via an Internet interface using a cloud-supported synthesis process and later loaded and executed fully automatically in the FPGA. This allows the user to configure complex test instruments even without extensive expert knowledge and use them automatically in their application.

Winner in the 'Embedded Vision' category

The winner in the new 'Embedded Vision' category is Basler AG. It receives the prize for its 'BCON for MIPI Development Kit'.

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Basler 's new embedded vision kit contains the first camera module to use the image signal processor of Qualcomm 's Snapdragon SoCs under Linux. This product concept significantly reduces the system's processor load, freeing up additional computing power for the actual application. Basler's new development kit comprises a complete development platform for demanding embedded vision projects and combines powerful embedded processing and CSI-2 interface technology with standards and functional features of the machine vision world. The 'dart BCON for MIPI Development Kit' contains a dart camera module (5 MP resolution and 60 fps frame rate) with BCON for MIPI interface and a processing board with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC. Thanks to the ready-to-use sample installation and the board support package including all required drivers, integration is just as easy as with any plug-and-play camera interface such as USB 3.0.

Winner in the 'Hardware' category

The winner in the 'Hardware' category is the company Ultrahaptics. It received the award for its ultra-haptic 'Stratos Insprie' module.

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Ultrahaptics' 'Stratos Insprie' module allows users to experience haptic sensations with their bare hands simply in the air - without actually having to carry or grasp anything. The new slim, autonomous module is designed to be quickly and easily integrated into existing displays or linked to hardware location-based VR or AR applications. Inside the housing are several tiny ultrasonic speakers that are precisely controlled by algorithms integrated into two central ICs (microcontroller and FPGA). The algorithms control the timing and frequency of the emitted ultrasonic pulses so that the pressure generated by a multitude of ultrasonic waves is concentrated at a multitude of points within reach of the user. The unit also includes a LeapMotion camera module that tracks the user's hand movements so that the haptic sensations can be applied directly to the ball of the hand or fingertips.

Winner in the 'Software' category

Hitex is this year's winner of the 'Embedded Award' in the 'Software' category for its 'Aurix SafeTpack' product. Roland Bickel (center) accepted the award from Richard Krowoza (NürnbergMesse, left) and Prof. Axel Sikora (jury chairman, right).

© NürnbergMesse, Frank Boxler

The 'Aurix SafTpack' from Hitex is a comprehensive safety manager for the second generation of Aurix safety microcontrollers from Infineon. According to the jury, the Aurix microcontroller family, with its further enhanced connectivity, data security and functional safety features, is ideal for a wide range of different automotive and industrial safety applications. These controllers contain 'Logic Built-In Self-Tests' (LBIST) as a supplement to the lockstep technology of the cores. 'SafeTpack' ensures the functional safety of the microcontroller and controls the complex LBIST and other safety features of 'Aurix' so that the developer can concentrate fully on the application. SafeTpack also offers further complex safety functions such as program flow monitoring or the cyclical control of peripheral devices. It coordinates the execution of start-up and cycle tests that ensure the correct operation of the CPU and internal buses. In addition, 'SafeTpack' manages the watchdog system and an optional combined watchdog and power controller.

Winner in the 'Startup' category

The company Wisebatt receives the 'Embedded Award' in the 'Startup' category for its simulation tool. The award was presented by Krowoza (left), Kurt Skupin (WEKA Fachmedien, 2nd from left) and Sikora (2nd from right).

© NürnbergMesse, Frank Boxler

According to the jury, Wisebatt's solution of the same name offers a unique simulation tool for electronics engineers developing IoT devices. With this tool, engineers can design virtual prototypes and work out the optimal solution in terms of cost, battery life and performance very early on in the development cycle through close cooperation. The hardware engineers can access complex modeling results within a very short time. In addition, the company offers a "freemium" business model that allows anyone to use 'Wisebatt' for free in the context of public projects - similar to 'GitHub'. This promotes cooperation in open hardware projects and contributes to the virality of the projects.