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.

These are the benefits of VxWin

Hardware Consolidation

  • 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

Software Consolidation

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

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.

Typical Applications

  • 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 !

Long term support

VxWin is based on the RTOS-VM hypervisor technology.
KUKA, a leading Industrial Robot Company (http://www.kuka.com) decided to use VxWin as a key component in their robot control.
The usage of the KUKA real-time technology in more than 100.000 robot controller systems world wide assures long term support.
1996: world's first robot controller using a Windows real-time platform on single core CPUs.
2010: new robot controller based on the RTOS-VM hypervisor technology on multi core CPUs.

Features

  • Hardware and real-time programming on Windows XP(e)/2000 using the powerful VxWorks operating system: -- multitasking, intertask communication -- Connectivity: TCP/IP (Winsock) -- Optional products available, e.g. web server, Java VM, VxDCOM -- programming languages: C, C++
  • Guaranteed response time within microseconds
  • High resolution real-time timer, granularity < 100 nanoseconds.
  • 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 or WindRiver Workbench 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.

More information

Data sheets and evaluation versions are available in the download area.