The iHawk is Concurrent's high-performance, real-time Linux-based computer platform for time-critical simulation, data acquisition, industrial and financial system applications. iHawk symmetric multiprocessors (SMP) feature from one to eight Intel or AMD processor sockets and up to 256 GB of memory in a single rackmount or tower enclosure.
iHawk systems offer leading-edge processor, chipset 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.
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 15 microseconds on a shielded processor.
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. The NightTrace tool allows a user to graphically view the interaction between the Linux kernel and multiple application threads in real-time.
The iHawk's Real-time Clock & Interrupt Module (RCIM) is a multifunction PCI or PCIe 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 RedHawk 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.
iHawk systems come in standard tower, rackmount or desktop enclosures with up to 18 integral PCIe, PCI-X or PCI slots and optional PCI and PCIe expansion chassis. For applications that require a VME I/O subsystem, PCI-to-VME and PCIe-to-VME bridges and chassis are available. iHawk systems can contain up to sixteen 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 systems can be interconnected using gigabit Ethernet or high-speed fabrics such as Infiniband.
Concurrent offers customized real-time CUDA platforms that offer from 1 to 8 of the latest NVIDIA double-wide Tesla and graphics cards. RedHawk Linux, which includes the latest version of the CUDA SDK, features real-time CUDA optimization. RedHawk reduces the process dispatch latency of real-time processes in CUDA applications from hundreds of microseconds to under 20 microseconds. RedHawk provides better overall performance by optimizing the allocation of memory shared between the CPU and the GPUs.
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.