Concurrent | iHawk real-time mutiprocessing system

iHawk PCI Platforms
A Real-Time Multiprocessor, Multi-Core Solution

Overview

The iHawk is Concurrent Computer Corporation's high-performance PCI-based computer platform for time-critical simulation, data acquisition, industrial and financial system applications. iHawk symmetric multiprocessors (SMP) feature from one to eight Xeon or AMD Opteron CPU sockets and up to 64 GB of memory in a single rackmount or tower enclosure.

iHawk systems offer leading-edge integrated circuit and packaging technology. iHawk SMP platforms run a single copy of Concurrent’s RedHawk Linux real-time operating system. iHawk solutions are also available in ultra-dense, networked blade configurations for applications requiring large numbers of processors.

Benefits

Real-time Linux Performance and Determinism
At the heart of each iHawk solution is Concurrent’s RedHawk Linux real-time operating system. Compatible with the popular Red Hat® Linux distribution, RedHawk features high I/O throughput, fast response to external events, and optimized interprocess communication. RedHawk is the ideal Linux environment for complex real-time applications.

RedHawk Linux is based upon a multithreaded, fully preemptible Linux kernel with low-latency enhancements. RedHawk’s true symmetric multiprocessing support includes load-balancing and CPU shielding to maximize determinism and real-time performance in mission-critical solutions. A user-level application can be guaranteed to respond to an external event in less than 30 microseconds on a shielded processor.

NightStar Tools
Concurrent real-time Linux supports Concurrent’s powerful set of NightStar™ development tools. Users can debug, analyze, monitor and tune their real-time applications on iHawk multiprocessor systems or remotely from a desktop PC or laptop. Each tool runs on the iHawk target system non-intrusively, thus preserving the deterministic characteristics of the real-time application.

Real-time Clock & Interrupt Module
The iHawk's Real-time Clock & Interrupt Module (RCIM) is a multifunction PCI card designed for time-critical applications that require rapid response to external events. The RCIM includes a synchronized clock readable by multiple iHawk systems, eight programmable timers, and twelve input and twelve output external interrupt lines. The RCIM is fully supported by Concurrent Linux.

An optional, on-board GPS module is available to align the RCIM's synchronized clock to GPS standard time. One GPS-equipped RCIM can synchronize all iHawks in an RCIM chain, or multiple iHawks equipped with the GPS module can operate from a common time base without any cable connections between the systems. POSIX timers based on absolute GPS time can be used to simultaneously start the execution of programs on systems which are not physically connected.

Flexible Packaging
iHawk systems come in standard tower and rackmount enclosures with up to seven integral PCI, PCI-X and PCI-Express slots and optional PCI expansion chassis. For users who require a VME I/O subsystem, an optional PCI-to-VME bridge and chassis is available. iHawk systems can contain up to eight SCSI disk drives with optional RAID capability. iHawks are also available in flexible blade configurations with up to fourteen dual or quad CPU blades in a single 7U rackmount chassis. iHawk CPU blades can be interconnected using gigabit Ethernet or high-speed fabrics such as Infiniband.

Custom Engineering From Concurrent
The Concurrent Special Systems group is available to design and deliver iHawk systems for customers who require complete competitive solutions for demanding real-time applications. Concurrent engineers can provide special packaging including ruggedized peripherals and enclosures, integrate third-party I/O cards, develop and integrate RedHawk Linux drivers, and perform application rehosting. Hardware and software is designed and developed to exact customer specifications.