Embedded Operating Systems for Real-Time Applications

The advent of microprocessors has opened up several product opportunities that simply did not exist earlier. These intelligent processors have invaded and embedded themselves into all fields of our lives be it the kitchen (food processors, microwave ovens), the living rooms (televisions, airconditioners) or the work places (fax machines, pagers, laser printer, credit card readers) …etc. As the complexities in the embedded applications increase, use of an operating system brings in lot of advantages. Most embedded systems also have real-time requirements demanding the use of Real time Operating Systems (RTOS) capable of meeting the embedded system requirements. Real-time Operating System allows real- time applications to be designed and expanded easily. The use of an RTOS simplifies the design process by splitting the application code into separate tasks. An RTOS allows one to make better use of the system recourses by providing with valuable services such as semaphores, mailboxes, queues, time delays, time outs…etc. This report looks at the basic concepts of embedded systems, operating systems and specifically at Real Time Operating Systems in order to identify the features one has to look for in an RTOS before it is used in a real-time embedded application. Some of the popular RTOS have been discussed in brief, giving their salient features, which make them suitable for different applications.