congatec Hypervisor X86 computer-on-modules

congatec now includes the Hypervisor in all of its new x86-based computer-on-modules (COMs). The Hypervisor will also be implemented in firmware and will be standard on all congatec x86 COMs, thereby lowering the barrier to start working on system consolidation. By simplifying real-time virtualisation for system consolidation, congatec is making it easy to reduce system count and reduce size, weight and power consumption (SWaP).

By optimising the allocation of OSs (and applications) across multiple cores, more functionalities can be offered, reducing the system count to one. Moreover, the system resources of multicore designs can be fully used, increasing efficiency and reducing energy consumption. This in turn allows OEMs to build more functionality in a single consolidated system.

The Hypervisor also enables developers to run multiple operating systems (OS) simultaneously on one single COM. Every OS is assigned to run on its own core or set of cores and I/Os (such as PCIe, Ethernet, USB), so that each OS can run entirely independently from each other. Booting or suspending the operation of any OS will have no effect on any other. With the Hypervisor, customers get a software and hardware package that is qualified to support real-time applications, as the real-time behaviour of the modules has already been verified.

As an optional add-on, the Hypervisor also supports nested virtualisation with container and virtual machine (VM) support. Nested virtualisation is a technique where a VM runs on top of another hypervisor, rather than on physical hardware, affording full virtualisation freedom. When functions are separated among virtual machines, the collaboration between these virtual machines remains flexible.

The Hypervisor supports a range of operating systems, including Microsoft Windows 10 and 11, Debian, Ubuntu, VxWorks, Xenomai, TenAsys Intime distributed RTOS, QNX Neutrino and Real-time Linux. Support for other operating systems can be added anytime upon request.