Transcript Windows NT Embedded Architecture

Microsoft Windows NT
Embedded 4.0
A Technical Overview
Microsoft Corporation
Agenda
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Authoring Tools
Embedded-Enabling Features
Run-time configuration enforcement
Windows NT Embedded allows you to efficiently create
reliable and economical mid-range and high-end
embedded solutions
Authoring Tool-Set
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Host/Target approach
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System/Application capabilities are defined
on the Windows NT host through the
authoring tool
“Build” process generates the target
system run-time image
Image is a configured system - ready to run
Advantage - Configure-To-Build
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Core OS binaries are unmodified (Windows
NT4+SP5)
Application compatibility is maintained
System upgrades/updates are simpler
Windows NT Embedded Target Generation
Target Designer
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Enables developers to easily define and
generate custom target runtime images for
embedded devices
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Selectable target operating-system features
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Automatically tracks component interdependencies
Workstation, as well as Server-class features
Extensible environment for the inclusion of
additional components
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e.g. in-house (app), 3rd party (apps, drivers)
Generates a bootable system
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Unique SIDs, correct PID
Component Designer
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Enables developers to package operating
system features or applications into
components which can be used in Target
Designer
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Define component interdependencies
Author registry information
Define placement in the Target
Designer component tree
(namespace)
Component definition is imported
into TD
Embedded-Enabling Features
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“Headless” Support
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Allows a Windows NT Embedded system
to run without any mouse/keyboard/video
hardware.
Null VGA video driver removes hardware
dependency
All Win32 apps run unmodified
All GDI calls behave as expected
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Screen bitmap retained (e.g. GetPixel())
N.B - BIOS must be capable (e.g. no kbd)
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Embedded-Enabling Features
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Flash Media Support
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Allows an Windows NT Embedded system
to boot and operate without a physical disk
drive. Flash will be exposed as a block
mode device for file systems.
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M-Systems DiskOnChip2000 is the
supported hardware
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NTFS and FAT support
Compression, Security
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Maximum capacity - 144MB
(uncompressed)
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Automatic, transparent wear-leveling
Embedded-Enabling Features
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Write Filter Driver
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Redirects disk writes to an in-memory cache
Underlying media appears R/W to
applications and system
FAT only at this time. NTFS is being
investigated for inclusion.
Embedded-Enabling Features
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CD Boot Driver
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Supports the El-Torito bootable CD-ROM
format.
Boot and run Windows NT from CD
Used in conjunction with the Write Filter
driver
Allows the CD to be viewed as a
standard block device
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e.g. no CDFS
Embedded-Enabling Features
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Flexible Page File Support
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WinLogon and registry modifications
Configuration may include pre-defined
paging files
fixed size
Run without a paging file
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Profile dynamic memory usage
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Application Developers must Size
RAM appropriately
Embedded-Enabling Features
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Network-related features
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Participating in a domain
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Workstation, server
Cloning
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Unique SIDs for multiple images
Broad spectrum of Windows NT
technology
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DHCP, RPC, DCOM, WBEM
Embedded-Enabling Features
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Remote Management infrastructure
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Option 1 - text-mode
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remote command prompt
– TCP/IP (Telnet) with authentication option
–Modem/Serial
Logon required - impersonates user credentials
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Option 2 - graphical
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remote application GUI
–TCP/IP only
Embedded-Enabling Features
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Enhanced support for error-reporting
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Automatic handling of error dialogs
Global logging of all error dialogs and
message boxes.
Modification to USER32.DLL
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Only available on Windows NT
Embedded systems
Run-time Configuration
Enforcement
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Only load executables configured for
the target
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Assures machine configuration
Enables more flexible licensing
Configuration is identifiable as
Windows NT Embedded
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Not a retail system
Triggers enforcement mechanism
Summary - Benefits
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Full Win32 compatibility
Familiar development environment
Rich operating system services and
peripheral support
Huge 3rd party presence
Commodity PC hardware
Reduced time to market
Excellent platform for complex
application systems!