The UEFI/EFI Framework
Insyde Software’s EFI/UEFI Framework Firmware product family - InsydeH2O™ and InsydeDIY™ - are the next generation of PC BIOS technology. The EFI specification defines a new model for the interface between operating systems and platform firmware. This interface consists of data tables that contain platform-related information, plus boot and runtime service calls that are available to the operating system and its loader. Together, these provide a standard environment for booting an operating system and running pre-boot applications.
InsydeH2O and InsydeDIY take full advantage of the firmware interoperability provided by EFI, allowing modules from different vendors to be easily interchanged. This improves portability, maintenance, time-to-market and provides for faster migrations between projects.
Written in C language, these products allow developers to accelerate innovative platform designs while substantially reducing engineering learning curves and resource requirements. It is no longer necessary for programmers to learn the complex and arcane x86 Assembly language to successfully create firmware. C language programs can also be quickly cross-compiled for other processors, allowing source code to be shared across widely divergent platforms.
System debug and firmware development are accelerated using InsydeH2O’s or InsydeDIY’s diagnostic and debugging software tool called H2ODDT™. H2ODDT enables source-level debugging at an early PEI stage before memory sizing occurs. Its powerful breakpoint capabilities allow great flexibility in setting and removing breakpoints before and during module loads as well as in System Management Interrupt (SMI) mode. H2ODDT also saves time by allowing developers to view traces simultaneously in both C and 64-bit Assembly language.
Insyde Software offers a line-up of professional engineering services that provide a highly reliable foundation for the success of your specialized embedded systems and server products. Insyde Software engineers act as an extension of your own development team, providing both product development and project management assistance designed to help you get your product to market faster. Insyde Software’s professional engineering services team frees you and your internal resources to focus on what you do best - build and design great products! .
InsydeH2O™
The InsydeH2O™ product is architecture-independent system software that provides a seamless “Hardware-2-OS” (H2O) interface using the latest in BIOS technologies. InsydeH2O integrates support for the UEFI 2.0 specifications and the Intel® Platform Innovation Framework for EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface), while also providing a clean, simple interface between the operating systems and desktop, mobile, server and embedded platforms.
By applying InsydeH2O’s Compatibility Support Module (CSM), system vendors can continue employing the standard operating systems and tools they use today, and make a gradual and managed transition to UEFI. The CSM meshes legacy BIOS and Framework code permitting backward compatibility to legacy BIOS interfaces. Backward compatibility to the traditional BIOS includes runtime interfaces and legacy Option ROM support.
InsydeH2O is Windows XP and Windows Vista WHQL compliant. It accommodates Virtualization Technology, Quick Resume and the latest in efficient power management, such as Intel Active Management Technology and AMD PowerNow!™. InsydeH2O supports Intel Turbo Memory for increased boot speeds, improved application responsiveness, accelerated application loading and power savings. Highly secure platform designs are ensured using Trusted Platform Modules (TPM), along with pre-OS, hard-drive and password control.
InsydeH2O’s InsydeFlash™ is a powerful and intelligent tool for updating and maintaining the computer system BIOS under various Windows environments including Windows 2000, Windows XP x64 and Windows Vista x64 versions. 2MB, 4MB and 8MB Flash BIOS are supported. Based on a modularized code – including UI, DLL, WDM and OEM layers – InsydeFlash provides a convenient way to add hardware-dependent codes such as special ROM write bit controllers, EC commands, high voltage control and others. InsydeFlash utilizes Boot Block Protection, allows current system BIOS backups before updates, verifies system BIOS reliability and automatically detects hardware compatibility for enhanced security.
InsydeH2O supports the full line of AMD and Intel Mobile CPUs as well as a wide range of chipsets including Intel, AMD, NVIDIA and SIS (Silicon Integrated Systems).
InsydeH2O™ Key Features:
-
Legacy BIOS compatible
-
Compliant with the latest UEFI specifications
-
Supports the latest in:
o TPM specifications
o Virtualization technology
o Intel® Turbo Memory and Active Management Technology
o Quick resume
o WHQL compliancy requirements
-
Available with Insyde’s H2ODDT™ diagnostic and debug tool
-
InsydeFlash™ Option
-
Supports the full line of Intel and AMD silicon
InsydeDIY™
The InsydeDIY™ is royalty-free, architecture-independent firmware, developed specifically for embedded system makers who are using Embedded Intel architecture processors, in combination with a Linux operating system, and do not want to develop boot code themselves.
InsydeDIY is used by those who appreciate InsydeDIY’s lightweight and easy-to-implement set of firmware components, that deliver unique value and benefits to embedded developers and solution providers, including:
-
Reduced project development time with pre-packaged set of source and binary components.
-
Compatibility with the industry’s latest UEFI methods of booting an Operating System.
-
Improved boot speed.
-
A robust environment for running and managing pre-boot applications
Should your firmware requirements grow beyond the scope of InsydeDIY’s intended use, Insyde Software offers a seamless transition path to InsydeH2O™ UEFI Framework Firmware solution. .