When it comes to real-time computing, the operating system and software stack get a lot of attention. But all the precision in the world doesn’t matter if the hardware can’t keep up. That’s where iHawk comes in.

iHawk is Concurrent Real-Time’s high-performance hardware platform designed to support the most demanding real-time Linux applications. It is engineered for deterministic behavior, massive I/O throughput, and multi-core scalability all while integrating tightly with RedHawk Linux and tools like NightStar and SIMulation Workbench.

If you’re building systems that require reliable, repeatable behavior under load such as simulation rigs, signal processing platforms, or control systems iHawk gives you the computing foundation needed to make real-time a reality.

Built for Real-Time Workloads

Many modern PCs advertise multi-core performance and fast clocks, but they aren’t built for deterministic execution. Interrupts are scattered across CPUs. Background tasks fight for system resources. Latency is unpredictable and spikes are common.

The iHawk platform addresses these problems through design. It uses hardware configurations that prioritize real-time behavior, including:

• Processor isolation and shielding
• Tuned BIOS and firmware for low-latency interrupt handling
• Verified compatibility with RedHawk Linux
• Configurable I/O for high-speed data acquisition

Systems can be custom-configured with a range of Intel Xeon and Core i9 processors, offering a balance of core count, clock speed, and cache. Whether you’re building a single-node system or a distributed simulation cluster, iHawk can scale to meet the requirements.

Deterministic I/O and Peripheral Support

Real-time applications often rely on precise interaction with external hardware. This could mean sensors, actuators, test instruments, or networked devices.

iHawk supports a wide range of I/O interfaces including:

• PCIe
• PXI/PXIe
• Ethernet (including 10GbE)
• Serial and digital I/O
• FPGA expansion cards

What makes it different is the deterministic nature of those connections. The system architecture is designed to minimize jitter, prioritize time-sensitive signals, and ensure consistent I/O timing across cycles.

This is critical in domains like hardware-in-the-loop simulation, where test fidelity depends on real-time responsiveness to stimuli.

Optimized for RedHawk Linux

The iHawk platform is tightly coupled with RedHawk Linux, Concurrent’s real-time OS built for determinism, shielding, and fine-grained scheduling. Every iHawk system is validated to run RedHawk with guaranteed performance benchmarks for latency and worst-case response times.

That means fewer surprises, less integration work, and a system that behaves as expected from the start.

With RedHawk in place, developers can take full advantage of:

• Real-time scheduling policies
• CPU core isolation
• Precise timing APIs
• Support for NightStar tools

iHawk becomes more than hardware—it becomes part of a vertically integrated system for building, testing, and deploying real-time applications.

Ideal for Simulation and Control Environments

iHawk is commonly deployed in systems that require reliable timing and fast response under high computational load. Common use cases include:

• Aerospace and automotive simulation (including HiL and SiL)
• Signal processing and radar systems
• Robotics and automation control
• Industrial testing and validation platforms

Because the platform supports GPU acceleration and FPGA integration, it can also handle hybrid workloads that mix deterministic control with parallel compute tasks.

Need to run a physics simulation on the CPU while using an FPGA for waveform generation and a GPU for post-processing? iHawk can handle that.

Flexible Configurations, Long-Term Support

Concurrent Real-Time offers iHawk systems in multiple chassis options including rack-mounted and desktop variants. Each system can be tailored to the specific demands of your application, including:

• Number of cores and threads
• Amount of RAM and type of storage
• I/O cards and signal conditioning modules
• Power supply and environmental tolerances

This flexibility is matched with long-term availability and support. iHawk platforms are built with lifecycle management in mind, making them suitable for industries where certification, repeatability, and multi-year support are essential.