Depending on the application, various operating systems are used for PC-based systems in automated environments, which need to be integrated into the industrial communication networks via device drivers. Some of the most important are:
Linux is an open source operating system known for its stability, security and flexibility, making it a popular choice for industrial automation systems. Its customizability allows for specific software and hardware requirements that are critical in various industrial applications. Linux supports a wide range of server functions such as web, database and file servers, which are essential for industrial environments.
QNX is a commercial, Unix-like real-time operating system (RTOS) that is primarily tailored to embedded systems. It uses a microkernel architecture in which the essential operating system services run in kernel mode and other functions are executed as processes in user mode. This design improves the reliability and scalability of the system. In particular, the microkernel's isolation mechanisms minimise downtime and vulnerability to cyberattacks. In industrial automation, QNX is characterised by its robust real-time capabilities. It supports the seamless migration of POSIX-based systems and simplifies the development of functionally reliable automation devices. Specific use cases include medical devices, automotive systems and robotics that offer high reliability and performance.
INtime Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) is a specialized OS designed for deterministic, hard real-time control, capable of functioning alongside standard Windows systems without additional hardware. Built on an asymmetric multi-processing architecture, INtime assigns dedicated resources like CPUs, RAM, and I/O to ensure microsecond-precise timing. The applications of INtime in industrial automation are vast and diverse. In automotive systems and industrial control, it supports operations that demand precise timing and high reliability. In the medical technology sector, INtime's deterministic capabilities are crucial for devices such as pacemakers, which require real-time data processing. Furthermore, its use extends to network and telecommunications devices where reliable and timely responses are critical. Aerospace industry applications benefit from INtime due to its scalability and precision, which are essential for mission-critical operations.
VxWorks is a high-performance real-time operating system (RTOS) designed for mission-critical embedded systems. Due to its reliability and deterministic performance, it is widely used in industries such as aerospace, defence, automotive and industrial automation. Key features include memory protection, support for multi-core processing and various file systems such as DOS, Network File System and High-Reliability File System. The benefits of VxWorks include high performance, scalability, faster time-to-market and compliance with stringent security certifications. Its real-time capabilities enable predictable and responsive runtime environments, which is critical for applications that require precise timing. In industrial automation, VxWorks is used in robotics, manufacturing equipment and control systems. It supports the use of AI/ML models for tasks such as optimising production efficiency and predictive maintenance. Compared to other RTOS such as QNX, VxWorks uniquely supports OCI containers and Kubernetes, facilitating automated software pipelines.
The IntervalZero RTX and RTX64 real-time operating systems (RTOS) are advanced extensions that transform Microsoft Windows into a robust RTOS. They are used in various industrial and technological fields such as industrial automation, digital audio/video, aerospace, medical devices and power generation. RTX/RTX64 are critical for applications that require precise timing and high reliability. These systems utilize x86 multicore processing and symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) to increase performance and reduce reliance on proprietary hardware. The RTX64 RTOS platform is known for its integration with Windows 10, providing highly accurate real-time capabilities while benefiting from the ease of use and IoT capabilities of Windows. In addition, RTX64 supports determinism, multi-core scheduling and interrupt handling in real-time environments. This integration ensures the efficient execution of high-precision tasks found in machine controllers with real-time networks such as TSN or EtherCAT.
These are just a few examples tailored to specific operating systems. Depending on the target environment and application requirements, developers may need to choose or develop drivers compatible with other operating systems such as Windows, WinAC, VxWorks, or other specialized real-time operating systems for embedded systems. These device drivers play a crucial role in enabling communication between the PC card and the host system, allowing for the exchange of data and control signals. They are essential for the proper functioning of PC based systems in various applications, including industrial automation, communication, and control systems.
