Bilbao-based semiconductor firm SOC-E has partnered with Wind River to integrate its Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) solutions directly into the VxWorks real-time operating system.

The collaboration combines SOC-E's TSN technology with Wind River's VxWorks RTOS platform. The offering would enable customers to deploy Ethernet networks on a certifiable RTOS platform where timing precision and reliability are essential.

The newly partnered pair is targeting the integrated offering for mission-critical applications in industries like aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors.

For example, the integrated tech could be used to support precision flight controls, autopilot systems, and collision avoidance while enabling simplified wiring harnesses through integrated modular avionics architectures, or real-time video streaming to provide enhanced situational awareness on defense vehicles.

There are also potential space applications, with the integration able to converge onboard data handling and reduce subsystem weight through streamlined system architecture.

The collaboration also targets uncrewed systems, providing the synchronized communication and real-time sensor fusion capabilities needed for coordinated autonomous operations in dynamic environments.

Key technical benefits include sub-microsecond synchronization and guaranteed data delivery, even in congested network environments. It also supports mixed-criticality traffic management, allowing critical and non-critical data to coexist on the same network while ensuring safety-critical traffic maintains priority.

Eric Levander, VP of global alliances at Wind River, said: “The integration of SOC-E TSN with VxWorks is a catalyst for modular open architectures in aerospace and defense, enabling digital backbones and zonal avionics that are more efficient, scalable, and ready for stringent certifications.

“As the TSN market is projected to expand rapidly by 2028, this partnership positions both companies and their customers at the forefront of innovation in high-stakes environments.”

The partnership comes as Wind River is becoming one of the many firms vying for VMware’s departing customer base. Having picked up Boost Mobile last year, the vendor has moved to augment its offerings, notably layering in AI capabilities.

Earlier this year, Wind River unveiled enhancements to its Studio Operator product focused on supporting automation and optimization for virtual Radio Access Networks (vRAN).