Java for Hard Real-Time Applications - DDC-I

DDC-I announced the Scorpion Java solution for hard real-time applications. Scorpion, an Eclipse-based tool set, support mixed language development, which makes it possible to combine Java with C, Embedded C++, and Ada. DDC-I’s Java for Hard Real-Time Applications supports the existing RTSJ (Real-Time Specification for Java).

The Scorpion environment features compilers and debuggers for Java, Ada, C, and Embedded C++, a builder for ahead-of-time Java file compilation, and a virtual machine (ScorpionVM) for executing real-time Java applications. Scorpion also features a smart linker that removes unused objects from closed systems, thereby reducing code size by up to 80%, and a profiler that helps optimize speed/size tradeoffs by determining the best mix of compiled and interpreted code.

Bob Morris, DDC-I, said:

Scorpion is the only Java environment that supports true hard real-time Java development and mixed-language integration

Other Java solutions proclaim real-time capability, but lack the deterministic real-time garbage collection needed for true hard real-time response. Scorpion not only offers best-in-class real-time Java capability, but also the ability to mix Java with other languages and migrate existing Embedded C++ and Ada programs to Java…

Scorpion utilizes patented technology from aicas GmbH, which provides for deterministic garbage collection, a prerequisite for executing bounded, hard real-time applications. The Scorpion garbage collector is fully distributed, which reduces overall Java complexity. The Scorpion garbage collector also enhances memory efficiency and performance by reducing garbage accumulation and the memory/time required to store and collect it.

To facilitate mixed-language development, Scorpion provides a wizard that maps Java native method calls directly to existing Ada/C code, thereby enabling Java programs to call existing C and Ada programs. This unique tool makes it easy to combine Java with other languages in the same application. It also simplifies the migration of legacy C and Ada programs, both to present day RTSJ-compliant real-time Java environments, and to future JSR 302-compliant safety-critical Java environments.

The Scorpion compiler, implemented as an Eclipse plug-in, is integrated with Wind River Workbench 2.6, an Eclipse-based integrated tools suite, and the VxWorks 6.4 operating system.

Andrew Lyons, Wind River:

Scorpion makes an excellent addition to the Wind River Workbench environment…

The integration of DDC-I's Scorpion tools with our Workbench development suite makes it easier than ever for developers using a mix of Java C, Embedded C++ and Ada to create reliable, optimized code for a broad range of embedded real-time applications targeting VxWorks systems…

This implementation enables developers working within Workbench to combine Scorpion Java with other development languages. Scorpion also provides a run-time Java platform, which runs on top of VxWorks and enables the compiled Java code to be deployed on VxWorks target systems.

Scorpion is initially available for target systems running VxWorks 6.4 on PowerPC and Pentium processors. Additional target platforms will be announced later in the year.

Scorpion is available immediately with a variety of licensing options (subscription, perpetual, project, site, corporate wide) starting as low as $5000 per seat.

More info: DDC-I’s Eclipse-based Scorpion Java for Hard Real-Time Applications