The Siemens Industry Automation Division has equipped not one but three of its software packages for the RMOS3 real-time multicore operating system with new functions for fast data processing and greater flexibility.
p>The Siemens Industry Automation Division has equipped not one but three of its software packages for the RMOS3 real-time multicore operating system with new functions for fast data processing and greater flexibility.
As a result, BSP Simatic IPC V3.0 now offers many different types of networking options for Profinet, as well as additional hardware-related functions for Simatic industrial PCs with multicore processors. RMOS3-TCP/IP V3.0 has new client services to make communication more flexible. With an improved compiler and new plug-ins for the RMOS3-GNU V3.0 development platform, which is now also compatible with Windows 7, user applications are created and tested more easily and quickly than before.
The RMOS3 real-time operating system is especially suitable for measuring, open and closed-loop control tasks in embedded automation systems. RMOS3 can, for example, be used in industrial PCs with multicore processor technology for complex applications that are executed in parallel on multiple processor cores. Just two processor cores enable application performance to be increased by up to 130 per cent. At the same time, costs fall because no additional systems are required, not even for extensive tasks.
Flexible and functional
The BSP Simatic IPC software package supports isochronous, real-time communication via Profinet IO. More powerful drivers and new functions have been integrated into version V3.0, which is also suitable for use with Simatic industrial PCs with multicore processors. The new functions can be used to read out fan states and main board temperatures. They also offer more flexible networking. An industrial PC can, for example, be used as a Profinet IO controller or IO device. Scalable RT (real-time) and IRT (isochronous RT) communication are also new. IRT can be selected for high performance or high flexibility. For preventive maintenance, the software now also supports diagnostics-capable CompactFlash Cards, an up-to two megabyte, battery-backed SRAM for retentive data, and the control of freely programmable LEDs. An operating hours counter has been added to the diagnostic and monitoring functions.The RMOS3-TCP/IP V3.0 software package has been expanded by the addition of four new client services. These simplify the creation of TCP/IP, FTP and web applications, and offer more flexible, secure and user-friendly communication. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) client is used for the automatic configuration of IP addresses, and DNS (Domain Name System) client for the dynamic addressing of computers by user-friendly names. NTP (Network Time Protocol) client is suitable for synchronising the time-of-day on all computers in a network, and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) client is used for dispatching emails, for example in a service case. The new, optimised TCP/IP stack transmits data up to 30 per cent faster than the previous version.
The new version V3.0 of the RMOS3 GNU development platform simplifies the creation of complex software, and now also supports development under Windows 7. The current, integrated versions of Eclipse IDE V3.4.1 and CDT plug-in V5.0.1 offer improved functions for searches, indexing and navigation, as well as a modified editor. The new C/C++-Compiler V4.3.0 is suitable for multicore applications and shortens development times. For example, it compiles in only one fifth of the time previously required. Programs run up to 30 per cent faster than before with the optimised GNU tool chain. Two new RMOS3 plug-ins for the Eclipse IDE help the developer analyze the target system. The terminal plug-in for the remote control generates a view from which one or more target systems can be served via Telnet. The profiling plug-in gives the user an overview of the computing time distribution and the task activities in the target system.
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