The KUKA realtime extension to Windows®

What is VxWin ?

VxWorks from Windriver is one of the leading real-time operating systems in the world. In many industrial solutions you will find a VxWorks system that handles the real-time tasks combined with a Windows-PC for visualization, database programming and/or ERP connection.
Since 1995 it is possible, by using KUKA VxWin, to run VxWorks together with Windows on the same PC where it keeps its full real-time capabilities.

New: VxWin Version 3.5

• Dual-Core Systems: VxWorks now able to use the second CPU Core exclusively
• Interrupt-Latencies below 5 usec!
• Automatic detection of interrupt conflicts

These are the benefits of VxWin

Saving of hardware costs

• No need of separate control hardware or intelligent co-processor boards, respectively
• Fewer components mean fewer hardware failures
• Design compact controls and reduce the space requirement and the weight of your system

Saving of software costs

• Known development tools (Visual Studio, Tornado)
• Re-usage of existing Windows or VxWorks software and Know-How is possible

Product scalability

• Integration of VxWorks applications into a Windows based environment without additional hardware costs.
• Use the same VxWorks application in an embedded system, e.g. with XScale architecture.

Target markets

• PC based automation (PLC, motion control)
• Real-time measurements and data recording
• If you already use VxWorks, include all features of Windows to your application, on a single hardware !
• Programming of fast control algorithms
• VxWorks prototyping: Develop and test your VxWorks software before your target is available. Simply on your Windows development host computer !

The use of the KUKA real-time technology in more than 30.000 KUKA robots world-wide gives you the guarantee of a future-oriented investment.

Features

• Hardware and real-time programming on Windows XP(e)/2000 using the powerful VxWorks operating system:
  - multitasking, intertask communication
  - Connectivity: TCP/IP
  - Optional products available, e.g. web server, Java VM, VxDCOM
  - programming languages: C, C++, C #, Visual Basic
• Guaranteed response time within microseconds
• High resolution real-time timer, granularity 0.8 microseconds.
• Hardware access to ISA and PCI plug in boards.
• Communication between Windows and VxWorks via TCP/IP (virtual network).
• VxWorks continues working after Windows Blue Screen
• A great variety of software and drivers for VxWorks are available on the market, e.g. OPC server, drivers for field bus and measurement hardware, and so on...
• Powerful, graphical real-time analysis tools (WindView, StethoScope)
• Comprehensive documentation (HTML, newsgroup)

How to work with VxWin ?

Use the Tornado development environment, not only to edit/compile but also to debug your VxWorks applications. Develop and test your software alternatively on the same PC or remote. Start and stop VxWorks simply after booting Windows by using the Uploader Tool.
Communication between Windows XP and VxWorks via TCP/IP over a virtual network connection.