What is VxWin®?

VxWorks from Wind River is one of the leading real-time operating systems in the world. In many controls or embedded solutions you will find a VxWorks system that handles the real-time tasks combined with a Windows-PC for visualization, database programming and/or ERP connection.Since 1995 VxWin®; allows VxWorks to be installed together with the Windows operating system on the same PC while keeping its full realtime capabilities.

Features

• Hardware and real-time programming on Windows XP(e)/2000 using the powerful VxWorks operating system:
  • multitasking, intertask communication
  • Connectivity: TCP/IP
  • Optional products available, e.g. web server, Java VM, VxDCOM
  • programming languages: C, C++, C#, Visual Basic
• Guaranteed response time within microseconds
• High resolution real-time timer, granularity 0.8 microseconds.
• Hardware access to ISA and PCI plug in boards.
• Communication between Windows and VxWorks via TCP/IP (virtual network).
• VxWorks continues working after Windows Blue Screen
• A great variety of software and drivers for VxWorks are available on the market, e.g. OPC server, drivers for field bus, measurement hardware, and many more.
• Powerful, graphical real-time analysis tools (WindView, StethoScope)
• Comprehensive documentation (HTML, newsgroup)

These are the benefits of VxWin®;

• Reduce Hardware Costs
  • No need for separate control hardware or intelligent co-processor boards
  • Drastically increases MTBF due to less system components
  • Helps reduce size and weight of the total system
• Reduce Software Costs
  • Fast learning curve; known development tools (Visual Studio / Tornado)
  • Re-use of existing Windows or VxWorks software and knowhow
  • Not a proprietary real-time extension, therefore remote debug fully supported
• Product Scalability
  • Integration of VxWorks applications into a Windows based environment without additional hardware costs
  • Use of the same VxWorks application in an embedded system, e.g. with XScale architecture

How to work with VxWin®;

Use the Tornado development environment, not only to edit/compile but also to debug your VxWorks applications.
Develop and test your software alternatively on the same PC or remote. Just start and stop VxWorks after booting Windows by using the Uploader Tool.
Communication between Windows XP and VxWorks via shared memory or TCP/IP over a virtual network connection.