Symmetric Multicore Processing (SMP) for maximum performance on Core i processors

RMOS3 V3.50 now also supports Core i processors with up to 2 cores/4 threads thanks to the new Symmetric Multicore Processing (SMP) mode. This mode makes it possible to implement complex applications that are simultaneously processed on multiple processor cores. RMOS3 V3.50 ensures that the cores are symmetrically utilized so that a performance increase of up to 100% can be achieved on the SIMATIC IPC with two cores. A second PC, e.g. for visualization, can be omitted without performance loss. Taking into account the compatibility of existing applications, it can also be specifically connected to one core if required. Additional commands allow the implementation of the entire application to be limited to one individual core in order to avoid effects such as deadlocks or CPU hopping without changing the tried-and-tested application.

Memory protection for high system availability

The memory protection functionality for RMOS3 offers even more reliability for execution of the user applications created from RMOS3-GNU V3.0 using the development tools.

The applications are started in a separate execution level through a privilege level mechanism and their memory accesses are managed by the operating system. The operating system code, data and stack are therefore protected from unauthorized access from user programs. This ensures reliable execution of the operating system.

"Paging" mechanisms also protect the code areas of internal and external applications. This ensures reliable execution of all parts of the application and, in the event of an error, rapid localization of the actual cause. Time-consuming troubleshooting can therefore be avoided.

This applies in particular to the new stack monitoring mechanism. It detects unauthorized exiting of the valid stack area. Unwanted memory accesses are therefore prevented.

Null-pointer detection prevents the use of uninitialized pointer variables. Every access to the lowest page of the memory is detected. A page fault exception supports rapid error localization.

More ruggedness and industrial suitability

High Precision Event Timers (HPET), which are available on all B devices of the SIMATIC IPC product range, enable a long-term accurate time output for logging time events under RMOS3 V3.50. In continuous operation (24/7), the deviations of the system time per week can be reduced to approx. 9 seconds, this means a 90% reduction compared to the standard timer.

A further reduction of the minimum task cycle times from 50 µs to 10 µs allows for even faster control cycles on a task level.

High level of user-friendliness and serviceability

For the "post mortem" analysis of defective applications, additional information on the crash site is issued. It can be used to localize the relevant area in the source code without having access to the defective system. This makes for fast troubleshooting without having to expend time and energy to reproduce the error or call a software specialist to the site. Troubleshooting does not interfere with production at the end customer and sporadic errors can be analyzed at the developer's office.

Temporary files can be temporarily stored with version V3.50 on a virtual hard drive (up to 2 GB). The limit of 32 MB no longer exists and performance of the RAM disk driver has been further increased. This means that large data volumes can be collected during production and, if needed, transmitted via FTP to higher-level stations for further analysis.

Additional expansions to the RMOS3 V3.50 user console permit complete directory trees to be rapidly deleted and applications with up to 64 arguments to be started.

For users and service personnel, the expanded, configurable RMOS3 nucleus for SIMATIC IPC offers greater convenience and shorter start-up times.

Apart from the already familiar additional functions of the nucleus, such as easy configuration using the initialization file (RMOS.INI) or user-friendly adjusting of serial and LAN interfaces, the following expansions are available:

• Scandisk functionality for testing the integrity of the mass memory on booting to protect against data loss.
• Configurable APIC support with the possibility of cascading additional interrupt controllers.
• Configurable UDMA support for fast access to mass storage.

A number of additional functions make it suitable for different hardware versions:

• Standardized access to CPU LEDs and temperature monitoring function
• Simple activation and parameterization of LAN interfaces
• Optional: Automatic configuration depending on CPU used

The configurable nucleus is optimally prepared for additional hardware features. This supports fast and reliable implementation for the customer's application:

• Battery-backed SRAM memory or SRAM disk as an optional drive for saving temporary data in the event of a network failure
• Interrupt sharing on the PCI bus

Moreover, the configurable nucleus offers the following functions:

• Project-specific designation of the kernel for fast identification of the automation system.
• Startup messages and exception/general protection messages are recorded in a LOG file for fast subsequent analysis of the system in the event of a fault.
• System flags for fast and reliable diagnosis of system states.

The configurable nucleus already contains TELNET and FTP services for easy and low-cost remote maintenance of the target system over TCP/IP. This allows debugging and software updates both during the development and production phase.

Additional functions for optimal use of the operating system resources:

• Fast cycle times which can be set to multiples of 10 microseconds. In this way, for example, control algorithms can be executed in a fast 10-microsecond cycle.
• With the ASCII editor, which includes a file manager, data and files and can be edited using a semi-graphical user interface.
• The file structure with its flexible and long file names is based on the Windows standard. This makes it easier to exchange files between RMOS3 and Windows applications.
• Additional tools determine memory assignment, record the system load, check the versions of integrated libraries and monitor the integrity of the data carrier.
• The scope of delivery includes revised PDF documentation in electronic form. Bookmarks for the individual chapters as well as linked references permit quick access to the description.