RedHawk Linux RTOS

Real-Time Performance for Mission-Critical Applications

RedHawk Linux, developed by Concurrent Real-Time, is a powerful real-time operating system (RTOS) designed to meet the uncompromising demands of time-critical applications. Its advanced real-time determinism and ultra-low latency make it the ideal choice for industries requiring responsiveness, including aerospace, defense, automotive, manufacturing, and medical imaging.

RedHawk Linux ensures consistent real-time performance by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), processor shielding, and NUMA (Non-Uniform Memory Access) optimization. These features allow it to maintain high precision and reliability in applications where delays or missed deadlines are not an option.

Applications of RedHawk Linux

RedHawk is widely deployed in:

• Hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop simulations
• Data acquisition systems
• Industrial control systems
• Medical imaging solutions   
• High-speed transaction processing environments
• Embedded defense systems

By delivering high-speed event response time of less than 5 microseconds on certified platforms, RedHawk Linux empowers engineers to build solutions with unparalleled reliability and efficiency.

Key Characteristics

I/O Connectivity

• Overview
• Specifications

What is the Real-Time Clock & Interrupt Module (RCIM IV)?

The Real-Time Clock & Interrupt Module (RCIM IV) is a multifunction card designed for time-critical applications on Concurrent Real-Time’s iHawk™ multiprocessing systems. The RCIM provides key functionality for single system as well as multiple system applications. Ideally suited for simulation, data acquisition and industrial control solutions, the RCIM includes a synchronized clock, eight programmable real-time clocks, and twelve input or output external interrupt lines. The RCIM mounts in a standard iHawk PCIe slot and is fully supported by Concurrent’s RedHawk™ Linux® real-time operating system.

See the data sheet

Synchronized Clock

Length	64 bits (two 32-bit words)
Resolution (High-order)	32 bits – 1 second
Resolution (Low-Order)	32 bits – 400 nanoseconds
Accuracy	±2.5 PPM
OCXO Frequency Stability Option	±10 PPB

Real-Time Clocks

Number	8
Length	32 bit
Resolution	1 microsecond (programmable to larger values)
Accuracy	±2.5 PPM

IRIG Interface

Format	IRIG-B 024 or 124 AM or DCLS
Input Specifications	AM 1 to 10V peak-to-peak (auto ranging); AM 1KHz 2:1 to 6:1 ratio; AM 4K ohm load AC coupled; DCLS 3.3/5V TTL >2V high <0.8V low; DCLS 100 ohm switchable termination
Output Specifications	AM 2.5, 5 or 8V peak-to-peak (selectable) into 50 ohms; AM 1KHz at 3:1 ratio; AM Accuracy ±10 microseconds; DCLS 0.5V Vol (max) and 2V Voh (min) into 100 ohms; DCLS Accuracy ±1 microsecond; DCLS Up to twelve outputs; Reference offset adjust range 0 to -65 microseconds (400nS resolution)

Interrupts

External Interrupts	12 External edge-triggered input or output 3.3V or 5V TTL signals
Connectors	Standard DB-26 connectors
Distributed Interrupts	12 Input/12 Output
Interrupt Response Time	<8 microseconds
Additional	Switchable 100 Ohm termination

GPS Antenna

Multi-GNSS	Supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou
Options	GPS-only

Packaging

Form Factor	Full-height, half-length PCIe
PCI	PCIe x1 Gen 1
Maximum cable length between RCIMs	100 ft

Environmental

Operating Temperature	10° to 40° C
Storage Temperature	-40° to 65° C
Relative Humidity	10 to 80% non-condensing
Max power consumption	20W
Other	ROHS Compliant

Ordering Information

RCIM IV Real-Time Clock & Interrupt Module	CPRC4-4
RCIM IV w/GPS Option	CPRC4-4GPS
RCIM IV w/GPS and IRIG Options	CPRC4-4GPS-IRG
RCIM IV w/GPS and Oscillator Options	CPRC4-4GPS-PPM
RCIM IV w/GPS, IRIG and Oscillator Options	CPRC4-4GPS-PPM-IRIG
RCIM IV w/IRIG Option	CPRC4-4IRG
RCIM IV w/Oscillator Option	CPRC4-4PPM
RCIM IV w/Oscillator and IRIG Options	CPRC4-4PPM-IRG
RCIM IV Interface Assembly	CX-DB26-4
RCIM IV Interface Assembly with DIN Mounting	CX-DB26-DIN-4
RCIM IV IRIG Breakout cable	HS002-4CBL-IRG
RCIM Optical Synchronization Cables	HS002-3CBL-x

NVIDIA® Jetson Orin­™

Existing customers may contact support to get a free download of RedHawk™️ 9.4 on the NVIDIA®️ Jetson AGX Orin with JetPack 6.0. Learn more

Compatibility

RedHawk’s user-level commands, utilities, and APIs are fully compatible with standard Linux distributions such as RHEL, Rocky, Oracle, and Ubuntu, enabling seamless application migration and development.

Real-Time Performance

Features such as scalable processor shielding, advanced scheduling, and preemptive kernel design ensure optimal response times.

Comprehensive Tools

Paired with the NightStar toolset, RedHawk offers powerful debugging, monitoring, and analysis capabilities for developing and optimizing real-time applications

RedHawk Linux is more than just an RTOS; it’s a comprehensive solution for engineering teams aiming to enhance reliability, reduce development time, and achieve superior system performance in mission-critical environments.