Intent on being taken seriously in the real-time world, Intel Corp yest-erday launched no fewer than 13 new products. The Santa Clara company introduced Release 2.0 of its iRMX 286 operating system, with 16-bit support for the 80386 processor and 80387 numerics coprocessor. Designed for use in high-performance applications including simulation, communications and factory automation, the updated iRMX 286 features a command line interpreter for applications development that also allows jobs to run in the background. Various commands have been introduced: Alias for parameter substitution, History to show the last 40 command lines and Set to generate several parameters within the system. The 16Mb, multitasking, multiuser operating system runs on Intel components, boards and systems and can support iRMX-NET networking software. Files on MS-DOS, Xenix, VAX/VMS and iNDX systems attached to the same OpenNET local area network can be accessed. In addition, the 32-bit real-time multitasking iRMK kernel for the protected mode 80386 processor was an-nounced for use in time-critical applications where there is a premium on fast response. Intel reckons its kernel goes one better than the others in offering task, interrupt and time management as well as device management including optional support for the 80387 numeric co-processor, 8254 Programmable Interrupt Timer and 8259A Programmable Interrupt Controller. Optional are two modules that allow the kernel to use Mul-tibus II architecture. Message passing can then be implemented or in-terconnect space accessed. The iRMK kernel can be configured into syst-ems with between 8Kb and 33Kb when the optional modules are in use. Intel has also updated its iRMX networking software, iRMX-NET, and Bit- bus interconnect product line. A local area network controller card, Multibus II development platform, 32-bit debug monitors and an 8044 emulator were included in the new release line-up along with 20MHz vers-ions of the 80386 board. The iRMX 286 Release 2.0 is UKP4,362 for a dev-elopment copy plus UKP134 incorporation fee. The iRMK kernel is UKP1,007.
