Learning Objectives #
After completing this section, you will be able to:
- Create a VxWorks Source Build (VSB)
- Create a VxWorks Image Project (VIP)
- Understand the different configuration options for both VSB and VIP
The VSB and VIP offer a wide range of customization options, enabling developers to tailor VxWorks to any project requirements.
VSB Configuration Options #
The VSB project facility provides a rich set of configuration options to fine-tune the operating system build. Some of the most commonly used include:
- BSP-specific optimizations – such as hardware floating-point support.
- System Viewer instrumentation – for performance and debugging analysis.
- Real-time processes (RTPs) – support user applications running in protected memory.
- Object management – manage kernel objects like tasks, semaphores, and message queues.
- Symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) – leverage multi-core processors efficiently.
- Debug mode – add debugging symbols for development.
- Advanced options – further low-level customization.
Parallel Builds #
The parallel build feature uses Make to spawn additional threads and execute compiler or build rules simultaneously.
- This speeds up build time by utilizing both CPU and RAM.
- It works closely with the SMP scheduler.
- Can be disabled in the build console if system resources are limited.
VIP Standard Profile Options #
When creating a VxWorks Image Project (VIP), you must select a configuration profile. These profiles determine which kernel libraries are included or excluded, giving you a fast starting point:
PROFILE_BOOTAPP
#
Adds RAM-based bootloader functionality to a standard VxWorks image.
PROFILE_BOOTROM
#
Adds ROM-based bootloader functionality to a standard VxWorks image.
PROFILE_DEVELOPMENT
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Includes development and debugging components, ideal for active software development.
PROFILE_HARDENED
#
Configures a security-hardened kernel image, strengthening the system against vulnerabilities.
PROFILE_MINIMAL
#
Strips down the configuration to produce the smallest possible kernel image.
VSB vs VIP: Key Differences #
Feature | VSB (VxWorks Source Build) | VIP (VxWorks Image Project) |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Defines and builds the kernel, middleware, and libraries | Creates a bootable OS image from a VSB configuration |
Scope | System-level: OS features, compilers, layers, BSPs | Project-level: application-ready kernel image |
Customization | Extensive options: SMP, RTPs, debug mode, etc. | Profile-based: bootloader, development, minimal, etc. |
Output | Source tree and libraries | Bootable image (e.g., ROM, RAM, standalone) |
Who Uses It | OS developers, BSP developers | Application developers, system integrators |
Typical Workflow | Configure → Build → Export libraries | Select profile → Build → Deploy image |