RedHawk Linux user-level commands, utilities and system administration are standard Red Hat. RedHawk achieves real-time performance by replacing the Red Hat kernel with a multithreaded, fully-preemptable kernel with low-latency enhancements. RedHawk's true symmetric multiprocessing support includes load-balancing and CPU shielding to maximize determinism and real-time performance in mission-critical solutions.
RedHawk Linux offers a full set of tools for efficient development of real-time applications. In addition to the GNU C, C++, and Fortran compilers and the GNU debugger, RedHawk supports Concurrent's powerful real-time tool set - the NightView(tm) source-level debugger, the NightTrace(tm) run-time analyzer, the NightSim(tm) periodic scheduler, and the NightProbe(tm) data monitor. These tools provide a robust graphic interface for non-intrusive control, monitoring, analysis, and debugging of real-time multiprocessing applications.
RedHawk is a true real-time variant of the standard Linux operating system. RedHawk provides a single kernel programming environment that directly controls all system operation. Complex real-time applications often require that file I/O, networking, and graphics be controlled deterministically together with real-time tasks. Only RedHawk's single-kernel design ensures this determinism.
In tightly-coupled symmetric multiprocessing systems such as Concurrent's iHawk real-time systems, RedHawk Linux allows individual CPUs to be shielded from interrupt processing, daemons, bottom halves, and other Linux tasks. Processor shielding provides a highly deterministic execution environment where interrupt response is guaranteed. RedHawk implements shielding via the industry-accepted mpadvise() system call.
The RedHawk Linux kernel allows multiple processes to execute in the kernel simultaneously. The kernel protects key data structures and critical sections of code with semaphores and spin locks to preserve system integrity. User processes contend with each other only when requesting an identical resource. Otherwise, all kernel features and capabilities are available to all processes. Processes executing in the RedHawk kernel can also be preempted, i.e. forced to relinquish a CPU involuntarily. The RedHawk kernel can transfer control from a lower-priority process to a higher-priority process. This allows a high-priority process waiting for an external event to respond immediately when the event occurs, even when the CPU is currently in use.
RedHawk's Frequency-Based Scheduler (FBS) is a high-resolution task scheduler that enables the user to run processes in cyclical execution patterns. FBS can control the periodic execution of multiple, coordinated processes utilizing major and minor cycles with overrun detection. A performance monitor is also provided to view CPU utilization during each scheduled execution frame.
RedHawk Linux supports Concurrent's Real-Time Clock & Interrupt Module (RCIM), a multifunction PCI card designed for time-critical applications that require rapid response to external events. The RCIM includes a high-resolution synchronized clock readable by multiple systems, four programmable timers, and four input and four output external interrupt lines.
RedHawk Linux supports Concurrent's powerful set of NightStar(tm) GUI development tools. Users can schedule, monitor, debug, and analyze their real-time applications on iHawk multiprocessors or remotely from a PC or laptop. Each tool runs on the iHawk target system non-intrusively, thus preserving the determinism of the application. NightStar tools enable system builders to reduce software development time and maximize productivity when developing RedHawk Linux solutions.
Concurrent's Professional Services Group is available to design and deliver a wide range of custom software for the RedHawk Linux environment. Concurrent engineers can develop drivers for I/O boards, rehost legacy application software, develop new applications, and provide performance analysis and system tuning. Concurrent can assist customers in addressing solution complexities that result from rapid changes in technology. Our technical expertise ensures timely delivery of state-of-the-market custom products designed to meet critical end-user needs.