Schleicher XCA 1100, Operating Manual

Page: 11 / 156

System Overview
Operating Manual XCA 1100 / XCA 1200
●
Version 12/17
11
3 System Overview
The XCA 1100 and XCA 1200 are not a PLC or an IPC in the classic
sense but corresponds to the advanced concept of a
P rogrammable
A utomation C ontroller (PAC) in its basic system characteristics.
It is capable of providing a number of complex automation tasks and
scenarios of use for the highest level of performance and an open,
modular architecture. Conventional requirements such as control,
regulation, operation, diagnosis and reporting are operated by the
XCx 1100 on a standard scalable platform.
The XCA 1100/1200 operates with VxWin, the established
combination of the VwWorks real-time operating system and Windows
embedded. VxWorks takes on the real-time component, i.e. control via
PLC, CNC and Motion Control functions, while Windows provides the
familiar environment for non-time-critical functions like visualisation
and operator dialogs:

NC operator dialogs

Visualisation

NC program memory

Diagnosis

Configuration

PLC programming

Manual

Operational data logging
The operating systems operate separately from one another, because
the XCx 1100 memory management unit (MMU) keeps the program
memory areas separate. This ensures that instability on the Windows
level has no effect on Schleicher CNC runtime or PLC runtime
firmware running on VxWorks.
When operating several independent operating systems in the
XCA1100 and XCA1200 controllers, the RTS Real-Time Hypervisor
takes over the exclusive allocation of processor cores and memory
areas. An almost 100% separation is reached with the hypervisor,
ensuring a non-reactive operation of the operating systems.
Windows is responsible for visualization, communication and data
storage and works with high performance in virtualized mode.
VxWorks works in "privileged mode" without additional delays to
ensure real-time operation.
The boot sequence can be configured, an independent reboot of an
operating system is possible at any time. Parallel operating systems
communicate via shared memory or virtual network cards.