As with previous versions, IntervalZero's
RTX is touted as adding real-time capabilities to Windows, providing precise control of IRQs, I/O, and memory. Described as a "true extension in that it does not encapsulate Windows, and does not interfere with or modify the Windows infrastructure," RTX allows code to be built as Windows executables (EXE) that run in User Mode (Ring 3) to utilize memory protection, or as real-time subsystem (RTSS) executables that run in Kernel Mode (Ring 0) for maximum performance.
RTX architecture allows running code in Ring 3 or Ring 0According to IntervalZero, the new RTX 2009 and RTX 2009 SMP versions both support Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows Embedded Standard 2009. However, it's said, RTX 2009 includes support for real-time operations on one shared or dedicated RTX processor in a uniprocessor or multiprocessor environment, while RTX 2009 SMP makes it possible to operate either on one shared processor, or on up to seven dedicated RTX processors in a multicore/multiprocessor environment.
By leveraging RTX 2009s native SMP (symmetric multiprocessing) support on multiprocessor architectures, and its tight integration with the Windows environment, OEMs can move hard real-time control logic from specialized hardware components over to software, IntervalZero claims. This will be of particular benefit in products that have complex HMIs (human-machine interfaces), and require both the precise coordination of multiple tasks and deterministic hard real-time performance, the company adds.
New product features and updates cited by IntervalZero for both RTX 2009 and RTX 2009 SMP include:
- Support for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and 2, Windows XP Service Pack 3; and support for Visual Studio 2008
- Improved MSI-x support
- Expanded support of RTX dedicated mode, so the real-time subsystem (RTSS) can run on up to seven dedicated CPUs, with assigned affinities for processes, threads, interrupts and timers.
- Updated RTX tools that support an SMP environment
- Several new APIs for profiling across processors
- Additional RTX Property APIs
Background New features in version 8.1 of RTX,
announced in February 2008, included support for Message Signaled Interrupt-capable devices, providing an alternative to line-based interrupts (IRQs). This eliminates restrictive hardware IRQ conflicts and allows use of a broad array of PCI and PCI Express devices, the company says.
RTX version 8.1 also added:
- an enhanced TCP/IP stack, which runs independently of Windows, supporting IPv4, IPv6, RAW sockets, and Jumbo frames.
- Shared multiprocessor support for Windows Vista, complementing existing uniprocessor and dedicated multiprocessor capabilities
- Enhanced kernel debugging, via newly available IEEE 1394 and USB connection capabilities
- Timer periods as low as one microsecond
IntervalZero was
one of the first third-party suppliers of add-on software targeting the use of Microsoft operating systems in real-time applications. Previously known as Ardence, the company was
acquired by Citrix in January 2007, then
spun off in July 2008.
In addition to RTX, the company markets the following products:
- ETS (Embedded Tool Suite), said to be the smallest-footprint, stand-alone RTOS (real-time operating system) that supports the Win32 API
- Select, touted as providing multi-purpose device functionality on a single Windows Vista system, minimizing boot time while making devices corruption- and virus-proof
Meanwhile, one key competitor for IntervalZero is Tenasys, whose
INtime product gained support for Intel's Z5xx Atom processor in March.
Further informationIntervalZero did not release pricing information for RTX 2009 and RTX 2009 SMP, but the products appear to be available now. More information may be found on the company's website,
here.
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