Optimized Multicore Adoption
Multicore technology is the next transformative technology for the Device Software Optimization (DSO) industry. Wind River VxWorks platforms are enhanced with new asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP) capabilities, in addition to symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) within the operating system, network stack, and development tools, to provide the easiest path to realize the benefits of multicore technology.
The VxWorks 6.7 Multiprocessing add-on is an optional component to all the VxWorks 6.7–based platforms. It provides optimized support for the latest multicore processors.
With VxWorks Multiprocessing, developers can do the following:
- Deliver lower-cost multicore-powered products by using a combination of SMP, AMP, and networking optimizations to consolidate systems into fewer hardware platforms
- Speed time-to-market by using commercially available and supported run-time platforms and developer tools with support for multiprocessing
- Deliver higher-performance multicore-powered products with reduced risk and development investment
- Lower development costs and increase productivity by using the same environment and process available for uniprocessor (UP) development by using the MP extensions to existing development tools
- Enable a flexible design approach using Wind River's expertise and broad technology support for multiprocessing
VxWorks Multiprocessing is packaged as a complete VxWorks platform add-on comprising the run-time and middleware, Wind River's market-leading tool suite, and support for leading multicore processors—all geared to run and debug in a multicore environment.
Run-Time Features
- VxWorks AMP
Users can construct systems running multiple operating systems, handling different tasks, and communicating within themselves.
Key features- Support for multiple instances of VxWorks
- Internode communications using MIPC
- Shared memory and hardware partitioning
- Booting AMP systems
- Shared devices, virtual consoles
- AMP debugging
- VxWorks SMP
A single instance of the operating system can use multiple processors in a single system. It maintains the same key real-time operating system (RTOS) characteristics of performance, small footprint, high reliability, and determinism as the UP configuration of VxWorks.
Key features- Multitasking: True concurrent execution of tasks and interrupts
- Concurrent task scheduling: A priority-based preemptive scheduler that manages the concurrent execution of tasks and automatic load balancing on different CPUs
- Mutual exclusion: Specialized mechanisms for precise synchronization between tasks and interrupts received simultaneously on different CPUs
- CPU affinity: The ability to assign specific tasks or interrupts to a specific CPU
- API compatibility: Applications that use APIs defined for SMP that can have compatibility with a VxWorks uniprocessor configuration
- VxWorks SMP simulation capability: Development of SMP applications that can begin without physical hardware; SMP simulators are provided with all standard uniprocessor VxWorks installations as an introduction to the SMP product
- Enhanced hardware support: Performance optimizations and expanded support for multicore processors from leading silicon manufacturers
- Support of all VxWorks 6.7–based platforms
- Wind River General Purpose Platform
- Wind River Platform for Automotive Devices
- Wind River Platform for Consumer Devices
- Wind River Platform for Industrial Devices
- Wind River Platform for Network Equipment
Multiprocessing-Enhanced Development Tools
Programming multicore processors adds a level of complexity that embedded software developers need to manage. This complexity encompasses multiprocessing system design, development, and debugging as threads move from one core to another.
From board bring-up to on-chip and source-level software debugging, from application porting to system optimization, you need the right tools to finish the job. Wind River has augmented our core toolset for the unique needs of multicore processors:
- Wind River Workbench, On-Chip Debugging Edition: Enables fast identification of problems between the hardware and software using a patent-pending multicore debugging technology
- Wind River Workbench development suite: Provides advanced debugging, analysis, visualization, and target simulation
An Introduction to Multi-core Technology and VxWorks SMP
Adoption of Symmetric Multiprocessing Using VxWorks and Intel Multicore Processors
