Machine Control | Will RTOS Co-exist With GPOS?

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Will RTOS Co-exist With GPOS?

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Method 3: Use virtualization. With this method, the virtualization software runs as an application on a host OS, providing a virtual machine only to the second OS. This approach differs from the virtualization mechanism in Method 2. Under that method, both operating systems run on top of the virtualization software, whereas in this method only one OS runs in a virtual machine while the other OS acts as host. Communication is performed in a similar manner as in the other two methods, typically with some type of real or virtual network. Virtualization software will often create a private virtual Ethernet network to the host. The key here lies in which OS is chosen as the host. If the RTOS runs as the host, then the Microsoft OS, which isnt real-time anyway, will get machine cycles only when the RTOS permits it, typically enforced by a priority scheduling scheme. This is a proper method of designing the system, but unless it is carefully engineered to leave sufficient time for the Microsoft OS to run properly, the results will be less than satisfactory. For example, if the Microsoft OS handles the user interface, as is often the case, the interface will run very slowly if the Microsoft OS isnt given sufficient time to execute. Reversing the situation and using the Microsoft OS as the host would be even worse, however, since the Microsoft OS would then schedule the virtual machine and the real-time system, making the chance of deadlines being properly met on the real-time side slim. Which method should you use? All of these methods have their benefits and all have their drawbacks.Ultimately,yourchoicedependsonwhichRTOSyouuse,since each RTOS brings different advantages to the table. For example, scheduling methods available within some real-time operating systems can make Method 3 very attractive if the RTOS runs as the host. The RTOS will always guarantee that the virtual machine running the Microsoft OS receives some amount of CPU time. If the RTOS is also multicore (SMP) capable and can lock specific processes to each core, then methods 2 and 3 can merge. The RTOS can act as the virtualization software host and lock the virtual machine running the Microsoft OS to one of the cores while locking real-time processes to any core except the one allocated to the virtual machine. This approach guarantees that the Microsoft OS has its own processor; yet it doesnt interfere with the real-time processes. Since the RTOS is in full control of the hardware resources and has knowledge of system priorities, if contention between the operating systems does occur, the RTOS can resolve the contention in favor

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of the real-time processes. You can choose the best method for your application once you examine the capabilities of the RTOS, whether virtualization is a reasonable solution, what the deadline requirements for your system are, cost factors, and so on. There is no single solution that satisfies every need. Jeffrey Schaffer, senior applications engineer QNX Software Systems

PLC on Steroids
Microsofts Windows operating system is a powerful and well-known software package that can run many popular applications, tools and drivers. Its widespread acceptance and user familiarity make it a great user interface in the automation industry. Machine builders can select from many different SCADA and visualization packages that run on Windows. However, a Windows OS alone is not the optimum solution for high-performance, deterministic machine control. For this, machine builders need a real-time operating system (RTOS). Traditionally, this has been handled by a separate controller such as a PLC. This typically requires additional hardware, software, communication and wiring, all of which mean additional time and cost. Non-proprietary extensions allow a real-time, multitasking OS to be seamlessly integrated together with a Windows operating system on the same PC while keeping its full real-time capabilities. In this way, a machine builder is capable of achieving high-performance logic and motion control, as well as visualization and communication on a single standard PC platform. A single piece of hardware replaces a PLC, motion controller and PC from a traditional system. These real-time extensions allow machine programming according to the IEC 61131 standard, including ladder diagram and structured text as well as open standards such as ANSI C. Advanced programming, debugging and diagnostic tools are built in to the real-time system along with remote maintenance capabilities. It is also possible to incorporate soft CNC functionality into the real-time control. The advantages of this real-time PC-based control include reduced hardware cost, increased mean time between failures (MTBF) due to fewer system components, smaller cabinet size and the reuse of existing Windows-based drivers, visualization and SCADA packages. These PC-based controllers can take advantage of todays fastest processors and can even run on multi-core processors such that one core is dedicated to the real-time OS while the Microsoft OS runs on a separate core. This results in guaranteed, deterministic response times within microseconds. Communication between the real-time and Windows world is easily realized. Power fail logic and buffered static RAM ensure critical data can be stored in case of a power failure. And the real-time OS can continue to run even if the Microsoft OS crashesWindows Blue Screenallowing the system to shut down safely.

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Finally, the real-time OS and Microsoft OS must be paired with a robust, reliable hardware solution. This means a true industrial PC. Many of these industrial PCs are built to the same industrial standards as PLCs. Unlike standard desktop PCs, industrial PCs are designed to run in harsh production settings and have superior shock and vibration performance and extended temperature ratings that allow fan-free operation even in extreme environments. They have specially constructed PC boards that eliminate the need for internal cables that can vibrate loose. Maximum PC temperatures are often specified at 100% CPU load since the fast cycle times of the real-time OS will take full advantage of the CPUs capabilities. Media options such as extended temperature range, 24/7 hard drives and redundant array of independent disks (RAID) drives help to improve the reliability of the system, but solid-state media such as industrial compact flash cards eliminate rotating parts, have a much longer lifespan than standard compact flash cards and provide a true industrial system. Nathan Massey, sales engineer B&R Industrial Automation

Octobers Problem
Our control panels include five panel meters that receive from the PLC and display analog parameters like machine speed and temperature to machine operators. Our panel meter manufacturer is going out of business, and were wondering if we should just switch to another manufacturer or go to a solid-state graphics display. We know the graphics display could show lots of information besides just five meter readings, but were concerned about up-front hardware costs and about controlling software development costs. What's the best way to go? Send us your comments, suggestions or solutions for this problem. Well include it in the October 08 issue and post it on ControlDesign.com. Email us at RealAnswers@putman.net. Please include your company, location and title. Have a problem youd like to pose to the readers? Send it along, too. Page 3 of 3 << < 1 | 2 | 3 > >>

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