Socorro, New Mexico — FSMLabs today released version V2.0 of RealTime Linux (RTLinux). This new version of RTLinux supports a POSIX pthread style API, SMP processors, POSIX style device drivers, and highly optimized timing code. RTLinux is a modified version of the Linux kernel that provides the “hard real time” functionality needed to control machinery while making the full power of the Linux kernel… available. RTLinux V2.0 offers a stripped down version of the POSIX pthreads API, a powerful shared memory utility, and solid support for symmetric multiprocessing.

Hard Real Time Performance

Measurements of a dual PentiumII running RTLinux V2.0 have shown no timing delays greater than 25 microseconds on periodically scheduled tasks. RTLinux V2.0 moves towards standards without sacrificing performance. “RTLinux has always had compelling technical advantages, and Version 2.0 extends the technical edge and makes some significant steps forward on ease of use”, says Victor Yodaiken.

Version 1 of RTLinux is already widely used in industry and research labs, worldwide. The significantly enhanced functionality of Version 2.0 is expected to extend RTLinux into a wider range of applications. Version 2.0 RTLinux is also redesigned to make ports to other processor architectures simpler. FSMLabs plans to release Version 3.0, with support for PowerPC as well as x86, within the next two months.

About FSMLabs

FSMLabs is a service of VJY Associates LLC, a New Mexico company started by the original developers of RTLinux to work on realtime and embedded kernels. The technical leads for FSMLabs are Victor Yodaiken, Cort Dougan, and Michael Barabanov.

RTLinux Version 2.0, under the GPL, is available for download from www.fsmlabs.com. Business inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

 
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