VxWorks BSP for Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC enables developers to combine a deterministic real-time operating system with the processing and programmable-logic capabilities of AMD/Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC devices.
iWave has ported VxWorks onto its iG-G30M System on Module, powered by Zynq UltraScale+ ZU4, ZU5, and ZU7 MPSoCs. The combination provides a high-performance embedded computing platform for applications requiring deterministic processing, high-speed connectivity, hardware acceleration, safety, and reliability.
VxWorks is a real-time operating system (RTOS) designed for embedded systems where predictable response, low latency, and reliability are critical.
VxWorks BSP for Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC: Why This Combination?
Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoCs integrate 64-bit Arm processing with programmable logic, high-speed interfaces, memory, and dedicated processing engines on a single device.
VxWorks complements this architecture by providing a deterministic software environment for real-time workloads. Functions that require hardware acceleration can be implemented in the programmable logic, while control and application workloads can run on the processing system.
This heterogeneous architecture enables developers to partition workloads according to performance, latency, and application requirements.
Key VxWorks Capabilities
Real-Time Performance
VxWorks provides deterministic, priority-based, pre-emptive real-time operation with low latency and predictable task scheduling. This makes it suitable for applications where timely system response is critical.
Connectivity
VxWorks provides networking and communication capabilities, including IPv4 and IPv6 support. Its Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) capabilities can support applications that require deterministic communication over Ethernet networks.
Modularity
The modular architecture allows developers to select and configure the required operating-system components based on the application. This helps optimize system resources while simplifying product customization.
File Systems
VxWorks supports file-system technologies designed for embedded applications, including the Wind River Highly Reliable File System (HRFS) and FAT-compatible dosFS.
Mixed Operating Systems
OpenAMP support enables communication between VxWorks and other operating systems in heterogeneous environments. This allows developers to combine real-time workloads with applications running on non-real-time operating systems.
Security
VxWorks incorporates multiple security mechanisms designed to protect embedded systems throughout their lifecycle. Capabilities include kernel hardening, cryptography, firewall functionality, TPM 2.0 support, and secure data and configuration management.
Hardware Advantages
The Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC architecture combines a processing system with programmable logic and dedicated hardware resources.
Key capabilities include:
- 64-bit Arm-based processing
- Programmable logic for hardware acceleration
- High-speed transceivers and I/O
- Multiple processing engines
- High memory and I/O bandwidth
- Integrated security features
- Safety-oriented capabilities
- Dedicated video processing resources on supported devices
Selected Zynq UltraScale+ EV devices also incorporate an H.264/H.265 Video Codec Unit capable of simultaneous video encoding and decoding for applications requiring high-resolution video processing.
VxWorks BSP for Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC: Application Areas
The combination of VxWorks and Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC is well suited to embedded applications requiring real-time performance, reliability, and hardware acceleration.
Potential application areas include:
- Industrial networking and TSN
- Test and measurement equipment
- Medical imaging
- Aerospace and avionics
- Robotics
- Automotive systems
- Industrial motor control
- Network infrastructure
- High-performance embedded computing
For safety- and mission-critical applications, the combination can provide a foundation for implementing deterministic software workloads alongside hardware-based processing and acceleration.
Scalability with iWave SoMs
A System on Module approach provides an additional level of scalability for Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC-based products.
iWave’s SoM portfolio spans different processing and programmable-logic configurations, allowing developers to select a device according to the required logic density, I/O, processing performance, and transceiver requirements.
A suitably designed carrier board can provide a common platform architecture across different SoM variants. This can simplify product development and enable future hardware upgrades without completely redesigning the system-level architecture.
The SoM approach can therefore help reduce development effort while providing flexibility for applications with evolving performance requirements.
iWave’s Expertise VxWorks BSP for Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC:
iWave combines embedded hardware, FPGA, and software expertise to develop solutions around Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoCs.
The VxWorks BSP implementation on iWave’s Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC-based System on Modules provides a foundation for customers developing real-time embedded products. iWave can also support application-specific hardware, FPGA, BSP, driver, and software requirements for customized product development.
VxWorks BSP for Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC brings together deterministic real-time software and heterogeneous hardware processing in a compact embedded platform.
By combining VxWorks with the processing system and programmable logic of Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoCs, developers can build scalable systems for applications demanding predictable performance, high-speed connectivity, hardware acceleration, security, and reliability.
iWave’s Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC System on Modules provide a production-oriented foundation for developing such high-performance real-time embedded systems.
For more information, visit www.iwave-global.com or contact mktg@iwave-global.com
