Operating system compatibility is a core element in ensuring the stable operation of autonomous and controllable industrial computers in complex industrial environments and meeting diverse needs. Its compatibility design needs to be comprehensively constructed from five dimensions: hardware adaptation, software ecosystem, instruction set compatibility, device interface standardization, and long-term maintenance strategies, forming a closed-loop technology system covering the entire lifecycle.
Hardware adaptation is the foundation of compatibility. Autonomous and controllable industrial computers need to support multiple domestic CPU architectures, such as Phytium, Loongson, and Zhaoxin, achieving seamless switching between different instruction set chips through kernel-level driver optimization and hardware abstraction layer design. For example, the Kylin operating system, through a unified hardware adaptation framework, allows the same system image to be deployed on different domestic CPU platforms, reducing user migration costs. Furthermore, for the heterogeneous computing needs common in industrial scenarios, the operating system needs to support the collaborative work of CPUs with accelerators such as GPUs and FPGAs, optimizing task allocation through heterogeneous scheduling algorithms to improve real-time response capabilities.
Software ecosystem compatibility directly determines user migration willingness. Independent and controllable operating systems need to ensure application continuity through a dual path of binary compatibility and source code compatibility. In terms of binary compatibility, dynamic link library encapsulation technology is used to allow programs compiled for other systems to run directly. Source code compatibility is achieved by providing a compatibility layer or development toolchain to support cross-platform recompilation of application code. For example, UnionTech UOS uses Wine technology to be compatible with Windows applications and provides cross-platform development frameworks such as Qt and GTK to reduce the difficulty of application porting. Furthermore, the operating system needs to build a comprehensive software repository, integrating mainstream industrial software such as CAD and PLC programming tools, and using containerization technology to achieve isolated execution of older applications.
Instruction set compatibility is crucial for hardware and software collaboration. Autonomous and controllable industrial computers need to achieve upward compatibility at the instruction set level to ensure stable operation of older programs on new hardware. For example, Loongson CPUs, through their proprietary instruction set architecture (LoongArch) and binary translation technology, support the execution of MIPS and x86 architecture programs, covering the needs of existing industrial software. Simultaneously, the operating system needs to optimize instruction scheduling strategies, reordering instructions according to the pipeline characteristics of different CPU architectures to improve execution efficiency. This compatibility design not only protects user investment but also provides a smooth transition path for technology iteration.
Standardized device interfaces are the physical foundation for compatibility. Autonomous and controllable industrial computers must adhere to internationally recognized bus standards, such as PCIe, USB, and SATA, to ensure plug-and-play functionality for peripherals. For the specific needs of industrial scenarios, the operating system must support deep integration with real-time Ethernet and industrial protocol stacks (such as Modbus and Profinet), and simplify device access processes through driver development frameworks. For example, CETC's "SuperMaster" series PLCs, through standardized interface design, can seamlessly connect to various sensors and actuators, reducing system integration complexity. Furthermore, the operating system must provide a unified device management interface to achieve centralized monitoring and fault diagnosis of peripherals.
Long-term maintenance strategies are the continuous guarantee of compatibility. Independent and controllable operating systems need to establish a robust version upgrade mechanism, ensuring compatibility between new versions and older applications and data through technologies such as version rollback and incremental updates. For example, the Kylin operating system adopts a "rolling update" model, maintaining interface stability while fixing vulnerabilities to avoid business interruptions due to upgrades. In addition, an open developer community needs to be built, encouraging third-party vendors to participate in ecosystem construction, selecting high-quality applications through compatibility certification programs, and forming a closed-loop ecosystem of "development-testing-certification." This long-term maintenance strategy not only enhances system security but also provides users with sustainable technical support.
Operating system compatibility for autonomous and controllable industrial computers is a systematic project that requires coordinated advancement across five dimensions: hardware adaptation, software ecosystem, instruction set compatibility, device interface standardization, and long-term maintenance. Through technological innovation and ecosystem co-construction, independently controllable operating systems are gradually breaking foreign monopolies, providing a secure and reliable foundation for industrial digital transformation. In the future, with the integrated application of technologies such as 5G and AI, operating system compatibility will evolve towards greater intelligence and flexibility, helping Chinese industry move towards the high end of the global value chain.
