Real-Time Computing at the Edge
A major transformation towards software-defined solutions is happening at the edge. It's driven by factors such as the need for flexibility and scalability, changes in the workforce, and more. A key element of this transformation is the need to support real-time workloads along with best-effort workloads on the same system.
Platforms enabled with Intel® Time Coordinated Computing (Intel® TCC) deliver optimized compute and time performance for real-time applications, which include support for IEEE* 802.1 Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) over wireless and wired converged networks.
Key Features
Intel's real-time offering is comprised of a comprehensive set of optimizations throughout the complete platform stack from Intel silicon to the application layer. These optimizations are designed to make Intel platforms with real-time support achieve high determinism in the presence of best-effort workloads running on the same system.
Edge real-time offerings from Intel support new solutions that deliver both high compute and real-time performance by:
- Prioritizing real-time workloads access to cache, memory, and networking
- Minimizing disruption from other workloads
- Optimizing performance for both real-time and non-real-time workloads
- Supporting availability in both native and virtualized environments
Prioritization of Real-Time Workloads
When specific real-time workloads must be completed within a set deadline to avoid critical system failure, the ability to prioritize some workloads over others is paramount. Some, but not all, real-time systems have this capability for workload or task prioritization.
High Predictability and Reliability
Because real-time systems process data in defined, predictable time frames, running tasks or workloads is achieved, thus enhancing the reliability of critical systems for business.
More Precise Timing
Real-time systems are designed to perform tasks that must be run within precise cycle deadlines (down to microseconds).
Frequently Asked Questions
The term “real-time system” refers to hardware and software components that perform real-time application functions and can respond to events within predictable and specific time constraints.
Real-time systems are classified as soft real time or hard real time. A soft real-time classification means the system continues to function even if it’s unable to run within an allotted time. Most importantly, if the system has missed its deadline, it does not result in dangerous consequences. A hard-real-time classification means the system ceases to function if a deadline is missed, which can result in catastrophic consequences.
Real-time systems are key pieces of technology, and as such, they are used in a variety of industries with applications spanning from process automation systems to warehousing to production assembly lines, agriculture, and healthcare.
Key Use Cases
Flight Control
Industrial Controls Applications
Video Wall
Real-Time Audio & Video Processing
Medical Imaging
Robotics
Intel TCC
Intel delivers IT-trusted high-performance solutions through its compute platforms and end-point connectivity solutions that support converged networks including ethernet, Wi-Fi*, and 5G. Intel TCC optimizes these solutions for real-time operation to better support real-time workloads running alongside best-effort workloads. Intel TCC is comprised of silicon and software optimizations that include support for IEEE TSN that reduces latencies and improves clock synchronization to better support real-time workloads.
Featured Platforms
13th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors
Total Compute Performance
The following SKUs are optimized for real time featuring Intel TCC including TSN support:
S-Series
- Intel® Core™ i9-13900E/TE processor
- Intel Core i7-13700E/TE processor
- Intel Core i5-13500E/TE processor
- Intel Core i5-13400E processor
- Intel Core i3-13100E/TE processor
13th Gen Intel Core Mobile Processors
Total Compute Performance
The following SKUs are optimized for real time featuring Intel TCC including TSN support:
P-Series
- Intel Core i7-1365UE/URE processor
- Intel Core i5-1345UE/URE processor
- Intel Core i3-1335UE processor
- Intel Core i3-1315UE/URE processor
- Intel Core i7-1370PE/PRE processor
- Intel Core i5-1350PE/PRE processor
- Intel Core i3-1340PE processor
- Intel Core i3-1320PE/PRE processor
- Intel Core i7-13800HE/HRE processor
- Intel Core i5-13600HE/HRE processor
- Intel Core i3-13300HE/HRE processor
Intel Atom® x7000E Series Processors
For the Next Generation of IoT Edge Devices
The following SKUs are optimized for real time featuring Intel TCC including TSN support:
- Intel Atom® x7211E processor
- Intel Atom x7425E processor
- Intel Atom x7213E processor
Intel® Xeon® D-2700 and D-1700 Processors
High-Computing Performance and Flexibility for Heavier IoT Workloads
The following SKUs are optimized for real time featuring Intel TCC including TSN support:
- Intel® Xeon® D-2752TER processor
- Intel Xeon D-1746TER processor
- Intel Xeon D-1735TR processor
- Intel Xeon D-1715TER processor
- Intel Xeon D-1712TR processor
12th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors
Total Compute Performance
The following SKUs are optimized for real time featuring Intel TCC including TSN support:
- Intel Core i9-12900E processor
- Intel Core i7-12700E processor
- Intel Core i5-12500E processor
- Intel Core i3-12100E processor
Intel Xeon W-11000E Processors
High-Computing Performance and Flexibility for Heavier IoT Workloads
The following SKUs are optimized for real time featuring Intel TCC including TSN support:
- Intel Xeon W-11865MRE processor
- Intel Xeon W-11865MLE processor
- Intel Xeon W-11555MRE processor
- Intel Xeon W-11555MLE processor
- Intel Xeon W-11155MRE processor
- Intel Xeon W-11155MLE processor
Intel Atom x6000E Processors
For the Next Generation of IoT Edge Devices
The following SKUs are optimized for real time featuring Intel TCC including TSN support:
- Intel Atom x6427FE processor
- Intel Atom x6425RE processor
- Intel Atom x6414RE processor
- Intel Atom x6212RE processor
- Intel Atom x6200FE processor
11th Gen Intel Core Processors
Innovative High-Performance Chip Design
The following SKUs are optimized for real time featuring Intel TCC including TSN support:
- Intel Core i7-1185GRE processor
- Intel Core i5-1145GRE processor
- Intel Core i3-1115GRE processor
Discrete Ethernet Products
PCIe* Multigigabit Ethernet Controllers
The Intel® Ethernet Controller I226 supports the latest TSN features.
- Intel Ethernet Controller I226-LM: Embedded use conditions, 2.5G TSN-capable discrete Ethernet.
- Intel Ethernet Controller I226-IT: Extended temperature, 2.5G TSN-capable discrete Ethernet.
Software and Developer Tools
Intel® Time Coordinated Computing Tools (Intel® TCC Tools)
This add-on package of tools and libraries has been discontinued.
Intel® Edge Controls for Industrial (Intel® ECI)
This real-time Linux* framework and microservice-based software for control consolidation:
- Helps to accelerate and simplify the development of control solutions.
- Allows customers to take the ingredients they need through a modular approach.
- Focuses on solving key customer challenges in select market segments.
Real-Time Ecosystem Highlights
Customer and Partner Success Stories
Real-Time Solutions Hypervisor Video
"The introduction of the RTS Hypervisor on the latest Intel platforms facilitates new possibilities for real-time applications ranging from robotics and smart cars to factory automation and utility load management."
— Michael Reichlin, general manager of Real-Time Systems
Wind River VxWorks* Operating System: Real-Time and Functional Safety Solutions on Intel-Based Industrial Platforms
Documentation
Get design documents, drivers, datasheets, release notes, and more for IoT real-time solutions.