iHawk VME systems feature energy-efficient Intel Core processors widely used in mobile and ruggedized applications. With two execution cores, Intel Core processors are optimized for multi-threaded applications and multitasking. The processor’s low power consumption provides for high compute performance in embedded, heat-sensitive VME platform environments.
At the heart of each iHawk solution is Concurrent’s RedHawk Linux real-time operating system. Compatible with the popular Red Hat® Linux distribution, RedHawk features high I/O throughput, fast response to external events, and optimized interprocess communication. RedHawk is the ideal Linux environment for complex real-time applications.
RedHawk Linux is based upon a multithreaded, fully preemptible Linux kernel with low-latency enhancements. RedHawk’s true symmetric multiprocessing support includes load-balancing and CPU shielding to maximize determinism and real-time performance in mission-critical solutions. A user-level application can be guaranteed to respond to an external event in less than 30 microseconds on a shielded processor.
Concurrent real-time Linux supports Concurrent’s powerful set of NightStar development tools. Users can debug, analyze, monitor and tune their real-time applications on iHawk multiprocessor systems locally or remotely at application speed. Each tool runs on the iHawk target system non-intrusively, thus preserving the deterministic characteristics of the real-time application. NightStar tools allow developers to graphically view how their applications interact with the Linux kernel.
The iHawk VME’s optional Real-time Clock & Interrupt Module (RCIM) is a multifunction I/O card designed for time-critical applications that require rapid response to external events. The RCIM includes a synchronized clock readable by multiple iHawk systems, up to eight programmable timers, and up to twelve input and twelve output external interrupt lines. The RCIM is fully supported by Concurrent RedHawk Linux.
An optional, on-board GPS module is available to align the RCIM’s synchronized clock to GPS standard time. One GPS equipped RCIM can synchronize all iHawks in an RCIM chain, or multiple iHawks equipped with the GPS module can operate from a common time base without any cable connections between the systems. POSIX timers based on absolute GPS time can be used to simultaneously start the execution of programs on systems which are not physically connected.
iHawk VME systems come in a variety of rackmount chassis enclosures with 5 to 21 VME slots and from two to eight disk drives. iHawk integrated solutions can be configured with a wide range of VME cards including analog and digital, IEEE-488, MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, reflective memory and asynchronous I/O.
The Concurrent Special Systems group is available to design and deliver iHawk systems for customers who require complete competitive solutions for demanding real-time applications. Concurrent engineers can provide special packaging including ruggedized peripherals and enclosures, integrate third-party I/O cards, develop and integrate RedHawk Linux drivers, and perform application rehosting. Hardware and software are designed and developed to exact customer specifications.