RedHawk Linux RTOS

Real-Time Performance for Mission-Critical Applications

RedHawk Linux is a real-time Linux platform for applications where timing predictability, low latency, and system control directly affect performance. It provides deterministic scheduling, processor shielding, low interrupt latency, and Linux compatibility for time-critical workloads in simulation, data acquisition, control, imaging, embedded defense, and other mission-critical environments.

Predictable Timing for Systems That Cannot Tolerate Uncertainty

In time-critical systems, performance is not measured by throughput alone. Engineers need to know that critical tasks will execute within predictable time limits, even under load.

RedHawk Linux is designed for applications where latency, jitter, and scheduling variability can affect system behavior. Built on a Linux-compatible real-time architecture, RedHawk gives engineering teams the deterministic execution environment needed for hardware-in-the-loop simulation, high-speed data acquisition, industrial control, medical imaging, embedded defense systems, and other mission-critical workloads.

On certified platforms, RedHawk delivers event response times of less than 5 microseconds while maintaining compatibility with standard Linux distributions such as RHEL, Rocky Linux, Oracle Linux, and Ubuntu.

Applications of RedHawk Linux

RedHawk is widely deployed in:

• Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulation
• High-speed data acquisition and signal processing
• Industrial control systems
• Aerospace & Defense
• Low-latency transaction processing
• Embedded defense and mission-critical systems

Key Characteristics

Deterministic Real-Time Performance

RedHawk Linux helps reduce timing variability through real-time scheduling, kernel preemption, processor shielding, and interrupt control. This allows critical tasks to execute predictably in applications where missed deadlines can affect system behavior.

Linux Compatibility

RedHawk maintains compatibility with standard Linux user-level commands, utilities, and APIs. This helps teams migrate existing Linux applications without rebuilding their entire development workflow.

Processor Shielding

Shield selected CPUs or cores from background processes, kernel activity, and non-critical workloads so real-time applications can execute with less interference and more predictable timing.

Integrated Debugging and Analysis

When paired with NightStar tools, RedHawk supports non-intrusive debugging, monitoring, tracing, scheduling, and tuning for real-time CPU and GPU applications.

Embedded and Edge Deployment

RedHawk Architect supports target-specific kernel and application images for embedded deployments where disk footprint, hardware configuration, and system control are important.

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

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