Multi-core CPUs are predestinnated for running independent applications on a single platform.

Hardware-assisted virtualization

Real time control systems require direct hardware access. This is achieved with a virtual machine monitor software (VMM) running as a type 1 hypervisor directly on the hardware without an own host operating system. Guest operating systems will be executed under the hypervisor and are working completely independent of each other.

All system resources for the control application including memory will be assigned exclusively to a CPU core by the VMM. As a result, every operating system will be able to address only its specific resources. Guest operating systems will communicate by using shared memory or a virtual network.

The Prime Cube Embedded Control Concept

The Prime cube Embedded Control platform uses COM Express CPU modules. Such a module contains already all relevant PC components. It requires a base board for providing the physical interfaces and additional control functionalities.

A hypervisor will assign all necessary hardware resources for the control application and the associated interrupts exclusively to a CPU core. The VMM will also assign fixed ranges of memory and on the storage device (Compact Flash card, SSD or HDD) to both cores. The remaining resources such as a third Ethernet interface or USB ports will be managed by the second CPU core.
As a result, the two applications with own operating systems will work independently of each other. Both will boot and reboot individually.

The control application is running on an OSADL compliant embedded Linux with preemptive real-time patch. Due to real-time capability, no proprietary real-time extension has to be used.

The second core is available for another operating system. a common scenario is a Windows operating system with SCADA software.

Compared to a single core system, the most important advantage is that both applications will be executed independently and without any restrictions regarding operational safety or functionality. If a system fault occurs, the operating system will restart, while the other application is still running. Summing up, this PC-based control concept works on a single hardware combining functionality and operational safety of two devices.