Virtualization

PikeOS enables true Safe and Secure Virtualization (SSV) by hosting multiple operating systems and applications with different criticality levels on a single hardware platform — while keeping them strictly separated and independently managed.

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What is Safe and Secure Virtualization (SSV)?

Safe and Secure Virtualization allows different software components — from real-time control systems to Linux-based HMIs — to run on the same hardware, fully isolated by PikeOS.

A typical PikeOS-based system consists of multiple partitions — each acting like a virtual machine — running different OSs and applications (e.g., Linux, Windows, ARINC 653, POSIX) independently on the same hardware. This approach ensures that faults or attacks in one component do not impact the rest of the system.

Each partition can be tailored to specific application requirements or certification needs.

How PikeOS enables safe System Consolidation

With PikeOS, virtualized systems behave as if they were physically separate:

Each partition has its own CPU time, memory, and I/O access

Faults in one application do not affect others

Time-critical tasks are fully deterministic

Resources are allocated securely via a robust scheduler and IOMMU support

Use Case Examples

Automotive

Combine an AUTOSAR control stack with a Linux-based infotainment system in a car ECU.

Aerospace

Host both a legacy RTOS and a secure POSIX-based application in an Avionics system.

Industrial IoT / Edge Computing

Consolidate industrial control software and a Cloud-connected monitoring interface on a single IIoT Edge device.

Medical Devices

Isolate a real-time patient monitoring system from a non-critical user interface or connectivity module within a single medical device.

Efficient System Consolidation

Reduce hardware complexity by integrating multiple applications—regardless of their criticality—on a single hardware platform. Save board space, weight and power (SWaP) without compromising Safety or performance.

Support for multiple Guest Operating Systems

Run a wide variety of guest OSs such as Linux, Android, Windows, POSIX, ARINC 653, or AUTOSAR. Each OS operates within its own partition, enabling safe coexistence and tailored functionality per application domain.

Safe Reuse of Legacy and Open-Source Software

Preserve existing software investments by migrating legacy applications into secure partitions. Open-source components can be reused safely without impacting certified software or exposing sensitive data.

Strict Separation for Mixed-Criticality

PikeOS ensures that Safety-critical, Security-critical, and non-critical components are strictly isolated. Partitions enforce strong temporal and spatial separation, enabling certification to strict standards like DO-178C (Avionics) or ISO 26262 (Automotive).

Faster Time-to-Market and easier Certification

Streamline development and certification processes through pre-certified components, ready-to-use certification kits, and deterministic partitioning. Focus your effort only where new development occurs.

Flexible Hardware Independence

Abstract software from hardware dependencies. PikeOS supports a wide range of architectures (ARM, x86, RISC-V, PowerPC), making it easy to scale, migrate, or port systems across different SoCs or vendors.

Robust intellectual Property and License Management

Protect proprietary software and isolate licensing domains. Partitions enable a clear legal and technical boundary between open-source and commercial intellectual property, reducing compliance risks.

Real-Time Performance and Determinism

Ensure predictable execution for time-sensitive applications, even when running alongside less critical tasks. PikeOS delivers low-latency context switching and real-time scheduling across multiple cores.