Windows Real-time Extension for PC-based Automation
Kithara RealTime Suite is a modular real time operating system (RTOS) for Windows. It allows for the efficient development and implementation of industrial applications for automation, machine control solutions as well as image processing in real-time.
Almost every function can be used both from the real-time context as well as the application context. This allows developers to decide on a case-by-case basis whether to access hardware directly out of the application level or if “hard real time” is required.
32-bit as well as 64-bit applications can be generated from a single uniform code base. Both versions are completely source code compatible—with a specially integrated function (KiK64) even binary compatible. The software offers immediate accessibility with program frameworks for programming languages and compilers listed below. Download the free
trial version now!
Supported programming languages
Kithara RealTime Suite supports C, C++, Delphi and C#, among others. In order to gain “hard” real-time capabilities, it is necessary to run hardware-dependent, time-critical application code in the kernel mode of the system. To do so, this code is transferred into a DLL, which is then loaded directly into the real-time context. In general, this requires programming languages that are able to generate native x86 or x64 machine code, such as C, C++ or Delphi. In the use case of C#, the DLL can be programmed, for example, in C++.
Other Features
High-precision
real-time timers with frequencies of up to 20 kHz
“Dedicated” real-time mode on exclusively used CPU cores with extreme real-time properties without Windows interference
Supports the latest Windows versions (only 64 bit operating systems)
Code execution at kernel level supports C, C++ and Delphi (requires native code generation)
C# support by transferring code into a C++-DLL
License management with online activation or USB dongle
Modules
Kithara RealTime Suite consists of various modules. The software can be customer-specifically composed of these modules. The Base/Kernel Module is always required. The diagram illustrates the relations between the modules:
Basic Functions
Base/Kernel Module
Supports Windows and Windows Server (64-bit operating system only), each with Dedicated Mode
Supports multi-core processors, hyper-threading and NUMA multi-processor PCs
Functions for: opening the driver, execution of real-time code at kernel level, real-time memory management, device handling, version information, debugging support, system information
Real-time tasks, events, callbacks, shared memory, data and message pipes, fast mutex objects
Freely combine your individal set of functions or contact us so we can help you choose the right modules. This custom driver gives you highest possible flexibility and has the following features:
Kithara RealTime Suite is built modularly and allows for creating an individually customized real-time operating system tailored to your needs.
The name of development and runtime files can can be chosen freely.
Solid API, no modifications necessary in case of new versions.
With the purchase of the module you will automatically receive a developer's license.
Favourable price scale conditions for runtime licenses.
Multiple updates provided over a period of 12 months after initial purchase
Update service extendable by an additional 12 months.
Extendable with additional modules at any time.
10 hours developer support included, beyond that various support support packages are available (20, 50, 100 hours)
Support is handled in the Kithara ticket system, enables fast and direct contact with developers.
Our qualified Support-Team provides you with the best possible solution for integrating the software into your project and our development support also assists you with questions (even beyond Kithara software).
Platforms
Real-time capability can only be achieved on the kernel level. For this purpose a programming language is required that is able to generate native machine code, e. g. C, C++ or Delphi and others. Nevertheless
Kithara RealTime Suite supports various platforms, for example a .NET environment. The solution is to transfer the time-critical code into a DLL, which will be loaded directly into the real-time context at the kernel level. A number of usable program frameworks for the aforementioned platforms are provided with every software purchase.
System Requirements
Kithara RealTime Suite supports a wide range of hardware and software combinations. If you have further questions regarding the system support,
please contact us!
Operating system
The software supports the following operating systems:
Windows 10 (64 bit version only) and Windows 11
Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025
Hardware
The software runs on the following hardware:
CPU: x64-compatible CPU (Intel, AMD)
Multi-Core; optional Hyper-Threading usable, currently up to 48 logical CPUs, more on request
UEFI necessary
Regarding compatibility of communication interfaces see e.g.
here.
Compiler
Immediately usable program frameworks for the following programming languages / compilers are included in the supplied software (other programming languages can be supported on request):
Visual Studio 20xx C++ with MFC user interface (provided project files up to VS 2026)
C++ Builder (Embarcadero, formerly Borland) VCL user interface
Delphi (Embarcadero, formerly Borland) VCL user interface
Visual Studio 20xx C# with WPF user interface (incl. C++ DLL for real-time execution, provided project files up to VS 2026)
In order to execute code in a real-time context, any compiler that can generate a DLL with native machine code, is generally usable. Furthermore, the Windows application can also be generated with other programming languages, such as C#.
Windows is not a real-time operating system by default. However, through specialized software extensions such as the Kithara RealTime Suite, hard real time can be achieved even on standard Windows PCs – without changing the operating system.
Real-time behavior requires deterministic response times. With an extension such as the Kithara RealTime Suite, time-critical tasks are outsourced to a separate real-time kernel that operates independently of the Windows scheduler.
Developers can continue to use familiar Windows tools, hardware drivers, and GUI libraries while simultaneously performing precise control and measurement tasks in real time. This significantly reduces development time and costs.
Typical fields of application include industrial automation, robotics, image processing, measurement technology, automotive test systems, or motion control applications.
Soft real time tolerates occasional timing deviations, whereas hard real time guarantees fixed time limits. Systems such as the Kithara RealTime Suite enable hard real-time operation on standard PCs.
Generally, a standard PC with a multi-core CPU is sufficient. At least one CPU core is reserved exclusively for real time to ensure interference-free processing. On modern CPUs with efficiency and performance cores, the real-time operating system should always boot on the latter for maximum performance.
Yes, you can try the free trial version of the Kithara RealTime Suite with full functionality for 90 days.
Request the demo now.
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