We're thrilled to highlight that RMP EtherCAT Master and Motion Controller's Linux support has matured well beyond the Beta phase into a robust, fully supported solution. This significant advancement opens new avenues for OEMs and all sorts of Industrial Applications seeking a cost-effective, flexible, and highly deterministic motion control solutions.
Why Linux? The Strategic Advantage
The decision to embrace Linux was driven by clear industry trends and tangible benefits for our users:
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Eliminate Windows licensing fees. Linux distributions like Debian and Ubuntu are free and open-source, reducing the per-unit cost of your control system.
- Enhanced Flexibility & Compatibility: Linux boasts a vast ecosystem of tools, libraries, and compatible software often unavailable on Windows, opening doors to wider integration possibilities.
- Industry Preference: Linux dominates server infrastructure and is increasingly prevalent in embedded systems, robotics, and industrial automation. Supporting Linux aligns RMP with platforms many developers and organizations already trust and utilize.
- Open-Source Power: Leverage the extensive documentation, community support, and development resources available within the vibrant Linux community.
Harnessing the Power of PREEMPT_RT
At the heart of RMP’s real-time performance on Linux lies the PREEMPT_RT kernel patch. This transformative modification upgrades standard Linux into a fully preemptible real-time operating system. The result? Drastic reductions in latency and jitter, enabling motion control applications to achieve microsecond-level cycle accuracy crucial for industrial automation, robotics, and precision manufacturing.
By integrating PREEMPT_RT kernel patch, RSI ensures that motion commands execute predictably, accurately, and with minimal delay—key requirements for high-speed, multi-axis systems found in cutting-edge manufacturing, robotics, and automation applications.
Achieving Deterministic Real-Time Control
RSI leverages multiple proven strategies within RMP to ensure optimal real-time performance on Linux:
- Dedicated CPU Core Isolation: One CPU core is isolated exclusively for real-time tasks, effectively eliminating interference from system-level operations.
- Priority Scheduling (SCHED_FIFO): Real-time scheduling ensures that high-priority control tasks execute without delay, guaranteeing precise timing.
- Efficient Code Paths: Optimized software ensures minimal blocking operations, keeping latency low and predictable.
- EtherCAT Distributed Clock: Tight synchronization across EtherCAT devices ensures coordinated motion and reliable performance.
- Custom Kernel Configuration: Kernel-level adjustments such as disabling unnecessary services, setting IRQ affinity, and tuning network stack parameters further enhance real-time determinism and system responsiveness.
Extensive Platform and Hardware Support
RMP’s Linux implementation officially supports widely used Debian-based Linux distributions, including Debian, Ubuntu, and Raspberry Pi OS. These platforms provide familiarity, stability, and reliability, making them ideal choices for industrial-grade deployments.
RMP supports both 64-bit x86 (AMD64) and ARM architectures, broadening its applicability to diverse hardware solutions from compact embedded devices to high-powered industrial PCs. There is flexibility for deployment on standard PCs, industrial computers, and embedded platforms like the Raspberry Pi or NVIDIA Jetson series.
Future expansions include support for additional distributions like Red Hat, Yocto, etc., further widening possibilities for customers.
Seamless Transition with RapidCode API
RSI’s RapidCode API remains consistent across both Windows and Linux. RapidCode API supports popular programming languages:
- C++: Ideal for performance-critical, demanding real-time applications.
- C#: Offering ease of use for rapid development in a familiar .NET environment.
- Python: Providing flexibility and rapid prototyping capabilities, essential for testing and quick deployments.
RapidServer and RapidCodeRemote
The RMP solution includes RapidServer, a dedicated Linux service managing EtherCAT communications and real-time motion control tasks, and RapidCodeRemote, which extends RMP’s capabilities via gRPC, enabling remote integration from diverse platforms and languages.
Simplified Development Workflow
RSI ensures an intuitive, straightforward development workflow on Linux:
- Setup: Begin by installing a supported Linux distribution with the PREEMPT_RT kernel.
- Installation: Quickly deploy RMP using our provided Linux package, containing all necessary libraries, headers, and runtimes.
- Development: Leverage popular development tools like Visual Studio Code, .NET SDK, GCC or Clang compilers, and GDB for debugging.
This streamlined process reduces complexity and accelerates application development, bringing your products to market faster.
Proven Real-World Success
Early adopters of RMP Linux are already experiencing measurable benefits across diverse industries:
- Industrial Automation: Automated fish processing equipment on fishing vessels uses RMP to ensure rapid and humane handling, optimizing efficiency and quality.
- Robotics: Advanced eyelash extension robots achieve micrometer precision, delivering superior results and reducing costs in cosmetic procedures.
- Defense and Aerospace: Advanced antenna positioning and control systems employ RMP for highly accurate, reliable, and deterministic movement in critical communication and radar applications, meeting stringent performance standards.
- Electronics Manufacturing: Innovative companies in the electronics industry utilize RMP to enhance the precision and efficiency of their 3D Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) systems, ensuring thorough analysis of complex printed circuit boards.
- Scientific Research: Leading international nuclear fusion research organizations employ RMP within their remote handling systems, facilitating precise control and maintenance operations in complex experimental environments.
These diverse applications highlight the versatility, precision, and reliability of RMP, validating its readiness for even the most demanding real-world scenarios.
Embrace the Future with RSI’s RMP on Linux
With the launch of mature RMP Linux support, RSI continues its commitment to providing industry-leading EtherCAT motion control solutions. By leveraging Linux’s powerful real-time capabilities, we deliver a compelling, cost-effective alternative to traditional Windows-based systems without compromising performance, reliability, or ease of use.
Ready to explore how RSI’s RMP Linux can revolutionize your motion control applications? Reach out today and discover how our cutting-edge solutions can elevate your business to new heights in automation, precision, and efficiency.