Using the LxWin Hypervisor it is possible to run Windows and an extremely fast, embedded real-time Linux in parallel. Plenty of Linux drivers, e.g. for fieldbus controllers or GigE camera systems, communication stacks (EtherCAT, Profinet, OPC, OPC UA, TSN, ...) or complex software solutions like CNC controller or software PLCs can be used without any change under LxWin.
In case customer's current solution is split into 2 different parts using a Windows based GUI system and a Linux based controller, LxWin is the way to consolidate such solution on one single hardware. Eclipse or Microsoft Visual Studio (starting at VS 2015) can be used for software development.
LxWin Software Architecture
LxWin uses a segregated approach for the real-time applications and the non-real-time Windows part. LxWin embeds a Linux hard real-time kernel on top of a hypervisor environment. This hypervisor environment is key and ensures real-time performance as well as isolation from Windows.
LxWin System Manager for Partitioning
- Boot Linux after Windows boot-up
- Linux boot messages are printed in the Debug Console.
- The virtual network will be used as Debug Interface for Linux.
- Intel PRO/1000 Network Adapter controlled by Linux.
Microsoft Visual Studio support
The core part for developing and debugging real-time applications is the support for Visual Studio. Project Wizards help to enable customers getting real-time applications created in an easy and logical way – as simple as creating Windows application projects.
Also debugging is done in the same way as debugging regular Windows applications.