The document discusses virtualization on CompactPCI Serial platforms. It notes that the modular architecture of CompactPCI Serial is well-suited for flexible virtualization solutions. The Intel Xeon D-based G25A single board computer is highlighted as a powerful server component for virtualization. Key benefits of virtualization include consolidating applications, separating workloads, and reducing costs through improved hardware utilization and simplifying maintenance. CompactPCI Serial is described as an open, scalable standard suitable for applications across industries requiring reliable operation in harsh environments.

1. 5 Thingsto Know about
Virtualization on
CompactPCI Serial

2. Done by MEN
The modular architecture of the well-known CompactPCI Serial industry
platform (PICMG CPCI-S) is an ideal prerequisite for the configuration of
flexible open standard virtualization
solutions. One of the most powerful
server hardware components for
virtualization systems is the
3U CompactPCI Serial embedded
single-board computer G25A,
featuring the Intel XEON D-1500
family (Broadwell DE) with up to
16 processor cores.
Virtualization on CompactPCI Serial

3. 1. When should I virtualize my applications?
2. Which system components do I need for virtualization?
3. What are the cost savings with virtualization?
4. In which markets can we find virtualized applications?
5. What are the benefits of CompactPCI Serial as virtualization platform?
Virtualization on CompactPCI Serial

4. 1.
When should I virtualize my applications?

5. 1. When should I virtualize my applications?
» The main task of a central server for virtualization is the abstraction of
the application software from the hardware and its low-level software.
» Abstraction of the application software is necessary if more than one
application is running on the same hardware platform, consolidating
multiple application workloads on fewer physical systems.
» One hardware platform hosting several applications helps to avoid
incompatibilities between multiple systems.

6. 1. When should I virtualize my applications?
» One hardware platform hosting several applications allows to to
separate critical operations from less sensitive applications.
» An embedded computer platform supporting virtualization offers the
IoT connectivity that responds to the trend towards big data analysis,
data management, and cloud services.

7. 2.
Which system components
do I need for virtualization?

8. 1. An embedded single-board computer which operates with multiple
cores - like the G25A with Intel XEON D-1500 family (Broadwell DE)
and up to 16 processor cores
2. Built-in CPU features that can be found in CISC and RISC architectures
– Intel for example offers for many of its processors:
a. VT-x to enable dynamic provisioning of services (processor cores, memory and I/O) for
isolated workloads (partitions) and simultaneous operation of real-time and non-
realtime applications
b. VT-d for directed I/O to improve application compatibility and reliability, and providing
additional levels of manageability, security, isolation, and I/O performance
c. HT hyper-threading for support of two processing threads per physical core
2. Which system components do I need for virtualization?

9. 3. A hypervisor to emulate the virtual CPU board including major devices –
ranging from open source Linux to complex RTOS hypervisors
4. A system configuration that specifies the handling of the centralized
and remote functions of the solution, e.g.:
a. Creation of a path through the hypervisor on the main server, if only one application
needs access to a specific function, e.g. a dedicated Ethernet switch or UART interfaces
b. Abstraction by a virtual gateway (e.g., ETH-to-serial, ETH-to-wireless) for functions
that have to be shared between applications that run on separate virtual machines
c. Remote gateways may connect to the main server via Ethernet and can be used as
intelligent sub-systems to abstract dedicated I/O functions
2. Which system components do I need for virtualization?

10. 5. A modular platform like CompactPCI Serial that allows to scale CPU
performance and the extension of cores when more applications have to
be virtualized
2. Which system components do I need for virtualization?

11. 3.
What are the cost savings with virtualization?

12. » Lower cost during initial purchase and installation for:
» Less electronics and cabling
» Less weight and space
» Lower power consumption for a reduced ecological footprint
» Lower efforts to integrate application software:
» Improved utilization of computing resources compared to multiple systems operating at
a fraction of capacity
» Additional functions at software cost only
» Less complex and more affordable implementation of redundant systems
3. What are the cost savings with virtualization?

13. » Lower cost for maintenance and obsolescence handling:
» Easier and less expensive upgrades than always replacing “the box”
» Less maintenance issues – that can often be carried out during operation
» Hardware obsolescence does not restrict the functionality of the application
3. What are the cost savings with virtualization?

14. 4.
In which markets can we find
virtualized applications?

15. » Virtualization of office IT and server room equipment applies to
servers, storage, networks and applications from the entire desktop to
hosting the application on a remote desktop server.
» Virtualization in industrial automation is one of the design principles of
Industry 4.0 solutions.
» Increasing vital patient data generated and recorded during treatment
needs virtualization platforms.
4. In which markets can we find virtualized applications?

16. » In transportation – railway, heavy vehicles, ships or aircraft – mobile
office IT like platforms support growing communication tasks – like the
railway data center menRDC from MEN (G25A inside).
» Virtualization of embedded mission-critical applications always require
reliable operation in often harsh environments – the ideal use case for
the G25A as the main server component based on CompactPCI Serial.
4. In which markets can we find virtualized applications?

17. 5.
What are the benefits of CompactPCI Serial
as virtualization platform?

18. » CompactPCI Serial is open towards processor architecture and
communication, thus supporting the independence of single
suppliers, based on industry standard Ethernet, PCI Express, USB and
SATA.
» CompactPCI Serial is scalable and thus ideal for growing or changing
hardware requirements without affecting the functionality of the
software.
» CompactPCI Serial is rugged and thus well suited for harsh
environments thanks to its 19” mechanics, Eurocard format, robust
connectors and tightly screwed front panels.
5. What are the benefits of CompactPCI Serial as virtualization platform?

19. www.men.de/products/cpu-boards-3/g25a/
www.men-france.fr/products/cpu-boards-3/g25a/

20. www.menmicro.com/products/cpu-boards-3/g25a/