Real Time Product Descriptions

Model RMAX-X-X-X REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface

Features

• Real time, deterministic direct memory connection between CLASSIC systems running the MAX IV or MAX 32 operating systems and REAL/STAR systems running the REAL/IX operating system or REAL/STAR II systems running the REAL/IX PX operating system
• Semaphores or interprocessor interrupts provide process synchronization between MAX IV or MAX 32 operating systems' tasks and REAL/IX or REAL/IX PX operating system processes
• A single REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II system can share memory with multiple CLASSIC systems. Single, dual, triple, and quad configurations are supported.
• Minimal or no impact on MAP zero space
• No additional software is required on the CLASSIC system
• Unaffected by operating system revision levels
• Includes basic software support library for REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II systems to REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface
• Provides access to thousands of third party software products that can run on REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II systems
• Offloads MAX IV and MAX 32 operating systems-based applications to a REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II open system platform

• Provides a smooth transition from proprietary CLASSIC systems to REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II open systems at a user-defined pace

General description
For CLASSIC systems users, MODCOMP's REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface provides a real-time connection to REAL/STAR open systems. REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface provides the best of both real time worlds. Off-the-shelf open systems software products are available to MODCOMP CLASSIC systems users through this powerful shared memory interface. See figure 1.

Figure 1. REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface concept

REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface provides additional power and flexibility while maintaining the user's investment in MAX IV and MAX 32 operating systems-based software. Unlike other connection schemes, REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface allows users to communicate with MAX IV and MAX 32 operating systems-based systems directly through a real-time deterministic memory-to-memory interface from a REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II system. See figure 2.

Figure 2. CLASSIC systems and REAL/STAR systems communication through shared memory

REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface, coupled with MODCOMP's REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II systems, can be used to provide state-of-the-art man machine interfaces to systems using MAX IV and MAX 32 operating systems. With a vast selection of third party software products available, REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface and REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II systems provide a means of implementing a wide variety of complex applications for CLASSIC systems users in a short period of time.

REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface also allows users to port CLASSIC applications to open systems at a comfortable pace without impacting the current running process. REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface permits CLASSIC and REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II systems to access data simultaneously in the shared memory region. An application can therefore run on both systems while sharing the same data. When the new application has been thus monitored to validate the integrity of the port, the old application can be obsoleted.

CLASSIC systems can take full advantage of REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface without additional software investment.

A basic support library is included for the REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II system. This library connects REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface to the MAX IV and MAX 32 operating systems' memory using simple subroutine calls.

REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface can be configured with internal or external cabling. External cabling allows connection of systems mounted in separate cabinets. Total cable length is limited to 50 feet when connecting to a CLASSIC 92XX or CLIII/95 system, and 30 feet to CLASSIC 78XX and CLII/XX systems.

Up to four CLASSIC systems can be connected to a single REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II platform using REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface. This provides flexibility in load sharing and redundant/dual redundant configurations.

Functional description
MODCOMP's REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface connects the MODCOMP CLASSIC proprietary systems to the MODCOMP REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II open system platforms. REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface provides cache coherency using the invalidate bus, and determinism by using hardware and/or software. REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface provides extremely high throughput of data and accesses MAX IV and MAX 32 operating systems-based memory in four megabyte blocks. In many CLASSIC systems this covers the entire addressing range.

The software suite for CLASSIC systems includes routines to connect the memory subsystems, conversion routines that aid in the mapping of MAX IV and MAX 32 operating systems' page addresses to VME addresses, floating-point alignment and conversion, and a device driver routine to support up to four MAX IV and MAX 32 operating systems-based connections.

REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface consists of two 6U form factor VME boards. The first is a Shared Memory Interface Unit (SMIU). The second is a Shared Interface Adapter (SMIA). For CLASSIC 78XX and CLII/XX systems a third board, Shared Memory Port Interface (SMPI) is also included. All cable connections are located on interface modules and or bulkheads. See figures 3, 4, and 5.

Figure 3. REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface configured with a CLASSIC 92XX system

Figure 4. REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface configured with CLASSIC 78XX and CLII/XX systems

Figure 5. REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface configured with CLIII/95

Prerequisites
REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface is available for most MAX IV or MAX 32 operating systems-based CLASSIC systems. Most REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II systems support the use of the REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface card set. Contact your sales representative for specific details.

REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface requires an available memory port on CLASSIC 92XX systems or an available memory user request level on CLASSIC 78XX and CLII/XX systems. One main chassis slot in CLASSIC 78XX and CLII/XX is required for the SMPI. For CLIII/95's a backplane interface paddle card is used which provides no hardware restriction with a fully populated CLIII/95 system chassis. The use of one RMI and one external interrupt is optional on all CLASSIC systems. Each connection to a CLASSIC system requires a separate REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface VME card set. Each connection to a REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II system requires two board and two transition module slots. REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II systems must be configured to include VME interrupt support.

Diagnostics
Included are online diagnostics that exercise all aspects of the REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface. These diagnostics are loaded and executed on the REAL/STAR or REAL/STAR II system.

Customer support
MODCOMP offers a variety of programs and services that demonstrate our commitment to customer satisfaction. Our training deparment provides comprehensive hands-on instruction either at our facilities or at customer-designated sites. Our worldwide support services organization is ready to provide installation assistance, ongoing preventive and remedial maintenance, and a full range of software services.

MODCOMP also offers flexible service programs tailored to the requirements of high volume customers, value added resellers (VARs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), software marketing alliances (SMAs), and systems integrators (SIs).

For further information on our customer support services and compehensive techical training, please contact your local sales office or a MODCOMP customer support representative.

Support category
The REAL/MAX Shared Memory Interface is supported under Software Support Category A. Appropriate license agreements must be executed or on file with MODCOMP prior to shipment of any licensed products.

For more information contact us.