International semiconductor manufacturers will present multicore CPUs and associated virtualization software and design approaches at the electronica 2010 trade fair to be held from November 9 to 12 at the Munich Trade Fair Center.
Multicore CPUs and hardware virtualization deliver large performance improvements in systems ranging from data center servers to dedicated embedded solutions. The performance increase is created by allowing the CPU to run multiple simultaneous processes often involving different operating systems. However, the hardware must be specifically designed for virtual operation. The international semiconductor manufacturers at electronica 2010 will present CPUs and associated hardware specifically designed to run in a virtual environment.
Also, for the first time, the Open Source Automation Development Lab (OSADL) eG will be present at the trade fair and exhibit open source-based process development solutions.
Virtualization origins
Virtualization began as an alternative to rapidly replacing inadequate or defective server hardware, with the goal of 99.99% uptime (52 minutes/year downtime). In the event of hardware failure, the virtualization software could move the process to another (guest system) hardware, allowing the process to continue while the defective hardware was replaced.
Single processor and hardware running multiple operating systems
Virtualization also allows several operating systems to run on one hardware platform. This “multi-tasking” can reduce data center system investment and maintenance expenses. It also allows the service staff sitting in front of one piece of hardware to switch to a customer’s operating system to observe, diagnose and repair any problems. In this environment, a single core processor can run multiple virtualized systems. Alternatively, a defined number of cores within a multicore processor can be dedicated to each virtualized system.
Security through isolation
Virtualization is rapidly gaining new applications in the field of safety and security by isolating and protecting a virtualized system from external attacks.
Energy efficient multicore architectures
Multicore architectures are also energy efficient because they can switch off unused cores. This is expected to become increasingly important as energy efficiency legislation is enacted.
Open Source Automation Development Lab (OSADL)
This year the Open Source Automation Development Lab (OSADL) eG will be represented for the first time at the electronica trade fair. Acting as a “purchasing community for open source services”, OSADL enables its members to develop basic technologies jointly based on open source technology and therefore to reduce development costs. Alongside OSADL itself several of its member companies will be represented at electronica 2010, presenting their latest innovations: Texas Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Freising, (Hall A4, Stand 420), Linutronix GmbH, Uhldingen-Mühlhofen, A6.448 as well as ELTEC Elektronik AG, Mainz, A6.448. In addition, Kontron Embedded Modules GmbH, Deggendorf will exhibit solutions for embedded computer in Hall A6, Stand 606 with PHYTEC Messtechnik GmbH, Mainz, exhibiting microcontroller modules in Hall A6, Stand 612.
About electronica
electronica is the world’s leading trade fair for electronic components, systems and applications. It has been held every two years in Munich since 1964 and presents innovations from the entire range of products and services in the electronics industry. electronica is the most important international meeting-point for the electronics industry and features, in addition to the exhibition areas, a supporting program containing first-class conferences – electronica Automotive Conference and Wireless Congress – and discussions. electronica 2008 was attended by around 73,000 visitors and almost 2,800 exhibitors. The total amount of exhibition space was 1.72 million square feet.
hybridica, international trade fair for the development and manufacture of metal-plastic hybrid components, has been staged concurrently with electronica since 2008 and produces numerous synergy effects.
You can find all information on electronica 2010 at: www.electronica.de/en.