Designing Embedded Virtualized Intel(R) Architecture Platforms with the right Embedded Hypervisor

Virtualization is fast becoming a key enabling technology for embedded designs, offering the potential opportunity to consolidate multi-processor designs into a single processor multi-core design, legacy and proprietary embedded software migration and separation for performance and safety critical applications. In this paper, we investigate the various hypervisor software models that exist and some of the design tradeoffs involved in order to help make a more informed decision when selecting hypervisor software for embedded virtualized designs based on Intel® Architecture. As the use cases for embedded virtualization grow and the virtualization technology gets more pervasive in embedded multi-core systems, a critical design choice is which Hypervisor (virtualization enabling software) model will best fit the embedded application design needs. Hypervisor software models offer different advantages and disadvantages based on:  variation in software and hardware virtualization implementation strategy  the kind of operating systems supported  the inbuilt optimizations for certain application workloads and system security Designing Embedded Virtualized Intel ® Architecture Platforms with the Right Embedded Hypervisor 3 These considerations make selecting an appropriate hypervisor model the number one design choice the architect needs to make while designing an embedded virtualized Intel ® Architecture platform. In this paper, we investigate the various software models that exist and some of the design tradeoffs involved in order to help make a more informed decision when selecting the hypervisor software for Embedded Virtualized Intel Architecture based designs. The Intel ® Embedded Design Center provides qualified developers with web-based access to technical resources. Access Intel Confidential design materials, step-by step guidance, application reference solutions, training, Intel's tool loaner program, and connect with an e-help desk and the embedded community. Design Fast. Design Smart. Get started today.