Helios® 'C40
by Perihelion Distributed Software

Software Overview

Helios is a real-time operating system for Scalable Parallel Processing (SPP).
The Helios computational model consists of a group of multi-threaded tasks distributed across one 
or more processors. Tasks may communicate via pipes, sockets, or message ports. Communication is 
independent of the physical network topology, tasks need not be on adjacent processors. Direct 
programming of `C40 comm ports is possible, allowing devices not conforming to the Helios 
message-passing protocol to be attached. The high performance micro-kernel is approximately 16 
kwords in size.
Helios is modular and can be scaled in size depending on the level of functionality required. The 
development environment consists of a PC or Sun host connected to a target multiprocessor array. 
Network facilities are based on industry-standard TCP/IP protocols. Helios includes the most 
comprehensive libraries and tools for `C40 parallel processing.

Features and Benefits

•	Small ROMable micro kernel with modular system servers and libraries
•	Shared C run-time libraries supporting standard I/O, integer, string, and floating point
•	ANSI C, C++, and assembler support
•	Optimized math and vector libraries are included with the O/S. Third-party optimized DSP and 
image-processing libraries are also available
•	Comprehensive library support for parallel programming
•	Graphics support for Windows (DDE, GDI, BITMAPS) and X11R5, XLIB, XT
•	Network support based on TCP/IP, UDP with UNIX 4.3 BSD sockets, Transparent Remote File System 
NFS, File Transfer Protocol FTP, remote login
•	On-line help, and 600-page manual
•	UNIX source compatibility including POSIX 1003.1-1988, BSD 4.3, UFS File Server

Processor and System Requirements

•	Helios supports the TMS320C40 and includes special support for TIM-40-based hardware. Memory 
requirement scales with the functionality of the system: Nominal single-processor embedded systems 
require 16-Kwords system code space. Multiprocessor networked versions with shell, etc. require 1–4 
MBytes.

Availability

•	Helios is available now from over 40 distributors around the world, third-party libraries and 
utilities are continually being added to the product range. Hardware vendors whose products support 
Helios include Ariel, Hema, Hunt, LSI, MIZAR, Sang, Sonitech, Transtech, and Traquair. The product 
is distributed in binary form with source-code examples. Source licenses and flexible royalty 
licenses are available for all products developed by Perihelion.

Company Background and Contact Information

Perihelion Distributed Software have been designing parallel-operating systems since 1986. 
Perihelion currently employs 50 people in the UK. The Helios product is the most widely-used 
parallel operating system today with well over 1000 systems installed by 1992. Perihelion provides 
consultancy services for all their products including porting, customization, application 
implementation, and special expertise with the TMS320C40 products.
Contact:	Julia Gadd
		Perihelion Distributed Software
		The Maltings, Shepton Mallet
		Somerset, BA45QE
		UK
		+44 1749 344345
		Fax: +44 1749 344977
		e-mail: sales@perihelion.co.uk 
		www: www.perihelion.co.uk