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Chapter 1
Introduction
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This chapter provides an overview and specifications for the Real-Time Clock and
Interrupt Module (RCIM).
NOTE
Three RCIM models are described in this guide: RCIM I,
RCIM II and RCIM III. The use of the term “RCIM” refers to
functionality common to all three boards. “RCIM I”, “RCIM II”
and “RCIM III” refer to the specific boards. The section “Specifi-
cations” provides specifications for each of the boards.
Overview
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The Real-Time Clock and Interrupt Module (RCIM) is a PCI-based card that supports
time-critical applications that require rapid response to external events, synchronized
clocks and/or synchronized interrupts.
When RCIM boards of various systems are chained together, an interrupt can be
simultaneously distributed to all connected RCIMs, and from the RCIMs to all the
associated host systems.
A synchronized high-resolution clock is provided so that all the RCIMs in an RCIM chain
on multiple systems can share a common time base. It also provides a local POSIX 1003.1
compliant high resolution clock. An optional GPS module allows alignment of the clock
to GPS standard time. A high stability oscillator is standard. Optional oscillators improve
the accuracy of times measured with the RCIM.
In addition to the clocks, this multi-purpose PCI-based card has the following
functionality:
•
connection of external device interrupts
•
real time clock timers that can interrupt the system
•
programmable interrupt generators which allow generation of an interrupt
from an application program
These functions can all generate local interrupts on the system where the RCIM card is
installed. When systems are chained together, multiple input and output interrupts can be
distributed to other RCIM-connected systems. This allows one timer or one external
interrupt or one application program to interrupt multiple RedHawk Linux systems almost
simultaneously to create synchronized actions.
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