Embedded software gets to grips with memory

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Mar 1, 2005

The latest version of VxWin homes in on the requirements of embedded developers.

The latest version of VxWin homes in on the requirements of embedded developers.

Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 2 is now supported, offering new features, including: an extended hibernate mode; direct support for the Microsoft Target Designer; and a new memory concept with more flexibility in memory allocation.

VxWin Version 3.0.1 is now available through the global distribution network of Kuka Controls.

Among other things, support for Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 2 now enables the use of the Windows function "hibernate once, resume many".

"Hard" system shutdowns are possible at all times, guaranteeing the reinstatement of a factory-set state in an extremely short boot time, making VxWin appealing for applications which must be available quickly after powering up (eg navigation or infotainment systems, medical device technology or control systems).

VxWin 3.0.1 features extended support for common Microsoft development tools as well: with Microsoft Target Designer it can now be easily and directly integrated into the customer-specific Windows image.

Manual installation is not necessary, resulting in fewer potential sources of error and shorter development times.

VxWin enables the coexistence of two operating systems on one processor in part by dividing the PC memory so that VxWorks and Windows XP Embedded each operates in its own, separate memory area.

In previous VxWin versions the separation of memory reserved for the RTOS was solved using the Windows maxmem parameter.

As a consequence, this option was no longer available to other applications, such as frame grabber cards.

The revised memory concept of VxWin 3.0.1 no longer uses maxmem and allows free allocation of the RTOS memory in the PC's RAM.

This memory architecture and the reliable separation of memory areas by the MMU ensure memory integrity and system stability.

An evaluation version is available for download from the Kuka Controls website, offering the full functionality of the full version for a 30-day test period.