LynuxWorks supports the Xilinx Virtex-5 FXT platform with its BlueCat Linux real time operating system (RTOS). The solution is the first of a number of RTOS products planned for the Virtex-5 platform. LynuxWorks supports both the Power Architecture and the MicroBlaze processor. This single configurable platform is capable of running two operating systems side by side, offering the possibility for running a GUI based operating system such as BlueCat Linux on one core and then asymmetrically running an RTOS like LynxOS on the other. This helps with the migration of legacy code, and also the partitioning of embedded applications to maximize the performance of the embedded system.
The Xilinx Virtex-5 FXT platform delivers FPGAs to provide two industry-standard PowerPC 440 processor blocks. Each processor, with integrated 32KB instruction and 32KB data caches, delivers up to 1,100 DMIPS at 550 MHz. Tightly coupled to each PowerPC 440 core is a new integrated 5x2 cross bar processor interconnect architecture and DMA controllers that provide simultaneous access to I/O and memory. In addition, the enhanced high-performance Auxiliary Processor Control Unit (APU) provides added connectivity for dedicated co-processing engines or custom user defined instructions in applications such as video processing, 3D data processing and floating-point math.
LynuxWorks' BlueCat Linux is an implementation of the 2.6 Linux kernel, which supports microprocessor control and is enhanced for use in a wide array of embedded systems, from small consumer devices to large-scale, multi-CPU systems. BlueCat Linux offers the flexibility of open-source software that leverages the Linux model and extends developers' investment by providing a simple path to migrate to real-time, deterministic performance There are many embedded systems based on the Power Architecture running BlueCat Linux, from unmanned vehicles through to Navy Warships, wired and wireless routers through to next generation of consumer audio/visual devices. The LynxOS family of operating systems also offer support for the Power Architecture 440, and provide a range of reliable, high performance open-standards that are also safety and security certifiable.
