What is Embedded Operating System? Tpyes and History

          

What is Embedded Operating System

A computer operating system created specifically for usage in embedded computer systems is known as an embedded operating system. These operating systems are made to be compact, dependable, resource-efficient, and to have fewer features than those needed by specialized applications.

An embedded operating system typically runs on hardware that is severely resource-constrained. Because of their limited resources, embedded hardware systems are usually extremely specialized, meaning that they are made to do certain tasks.

What is Embedded Operating System?

A computer operating system created specifically for usage in embedded computer systems is known as an embedded operating system. Its features are restricted. A "real-time operating system" is also referred to as an "embedded operating system." The primary objective of creating an embedded operating system is to carry out specific functions for devices that are not computers. It enables the programming codes to be executed, providing devices with access to finish their tasks.


Hardware and software work together to form an embedded operating system. It generates results in a variety of formats, including text, voice, and graphics, that are easily understood by humans. Programming code is used in the development of embedded operating systems to assist translate hardware languages like C and C++ into software languages.

By optimizing response times for certain activities for which devices were designed and managing all hardware resources, the embedded operating system increases overall efficiency.

How does an Embedded System work?

There is a significant need for complex product technology and prospects for embedded software developers, people frequently ask how an embedded system operates. An embedded operating system is designed to manage a single application on a device, as opposed to a desktop PC, which installs and runs apps.

Operating systems only perform a restricted range of tasks, they need to be dependable and efficient in terms of size, processing power, and specifications. The usefulness of the final product depends on that particular application. Some of the best embedded operating systems for business and industrial use are QNX, Embedded Linux and Android, and Wind River VxWorks.

History of Embedded Operating System

While Linux and Android are more recent additions to the market, embedded operating systems were first introduced by the Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) in the 1960s. The Apollo Lunar Module (ALM) had it installed, and the Apollo Command Module (ACM) was promoted by the non-profit group AGC. For the spacecraft's navigation, guidance, and control, the AGC provided computation and electronic interfaces.

Since then, there has been a significant progress in embedded computer systems, and the evolution from 8-bit to 16-bit, and eventually 32-bit microcontroller technology, suggests that the evolution is far from over. Operating systems are becoming more and more necessary to efficiently handle embedded software as embedded computer systems get more complicated.

Advantages

The following are the benefits of an embedded operating system:

• Transportable
• Far quicker than alternative operating systems
• Reduced Requirement for Hardware
• Extremely Probable

Disadvantages

The following are embedded operating system drawbacks:

• Reduced level of optimization
• High alteration is necessary.
• Personalization requires time to complete.

Types of Embedded Operating System

Embedded operating systems are made specifically for the jobs they will do. Among the different kinds of operating systems are the following:

Multi-tasking Operating System

 Several tasks can be completed at once by a multitasking OS. It carries out routine activities by using work scheduling. An OS on a cellphone, for instance, allocates CPU resources to various tasks.

  
Real-Time Operating System

 A reactive OS is what a real-time OS is meant to be. It replies in a certain amount of time and processes inputs as soon as they are received. The system may malfunction if the response time exceeds the allotted time. Rate monotonic scheduling is a technique used by real-time operating systems to assign jobs priorities.

Control system with a single loop. One variable is under the control of this kind of embedded OS. One instance would be a smart home's temperature management system. A smart thermostat takes a reading of the interior temperature and switches off the heat if it rises above the user-set limit.

Characteristics of Embedded Operating System

An embedded operating system has a number of features. Here are a few of them:

• It offers procedures in real time.
• Using interruptions directly
• Flexible input/output devices
• Reactive function
• Simplified security measures
• Adjustability

Popular Embedded Operating Systems

Numerous widely used embedded operating systems exist. Here are a few of them:

eCos

It is an acronym for "Embedded Configurable Operating System," and there are several configuration options available for each of its parts. Many common embedded CPUs may be supported by the eCos operating system.


mbed OS

mbed OS is an open-source, free embedded operating system that provides a thorough, organized environment for the creation of intelligent electronics.


VxWorks

In 1983, VxWorks Wind River Company made it available. Task synchronization, memory efficiency management, and other functionalities are provided.

εC/OS-II

Its introduction is predicated on the μC/OS concept. μC/OS-II can manage up to 64 jobs and offer multiple features such interrupt services, memory management, task scheduling, synchronization, and time management.

OpenRTOS

The priority scheduling mechanism is supported by this lightweight operating system. It offers a number of features, including time management, memory management, message queuing, task management, and semaphore.


QNX
QNX is a commercial embedded real operating system that was developed in 1980 and needs the POSIX specification in order to compile.


µ Clinux
It is the most recent iteration of embedded Linux and stands for "Micro-Control Linux." It is able to extract every functionality from the Linux OS.

Embedded Operating System Uses

There are many applications for embedded operating systems, such as the following:

ATMs: ATMs are equipped with basic operating systems (OSes) that allow the device to read debit cards, input personal identification numbers, and perform bank account operations such as balance checks and withdrawals. Other than responding to user inputs and interacting with the ATM hardware, the OS is largely inactive.

Mobile phones: For apps to interact with other phone hardware and for the phone to boot, smartphones need an operating system such as Android or iOS.

Electric cars: Embedded operating systems (OSes) on microcontrollers manage tasks including pressure sensing and braking. For instance, the airbag may detonate if the front bumper is subjected to a specific amount of pressure. Because it responds to an input, this kind of function is referred to as reactive operation.

Systems of industrial control: Industrial control systems use sensors to monitor conditions in the production and issue alarms when they become harmful. An embedded operating system gives sensors the ability to carry out these functions.


Traffic signals: A traffic light can cycle between different lights at predetermined intervals thanks to embedded operating systems.

Simple input/output setup: Because BIOS is the firmware that permits the more complicated operating system on a desktop computer to communicate with the hardware, it may be regarded as an embedded operating system in certain circumstances.

What do you mean by embedded operating system?

A specialized operating system (OS) for a non-computer device that is intended to carry out a particular function is called an embedded operating system. An embedded operating system's primary function is to execute the code necessary for the device to function.


What are the main features of an embedded operating system?

The Essential Features of Functions Particular to Embedded Systems. The unique function of embedded systems—such as their small size, low cost, minimal user interface, real-time operation, reliable operation, efficient design, and networked embedded systems—may be their most distinguishing feature.


What are the three popular embedded operating systems?

For operating systems other than RTOS, you can utilize Linux and Android for additional embedded applications.


What are the requirements of embedded operating system?

A CPU and related software make up an embedded system. Storage is needed by embedded software to house executables and handle temporary data while it is running. RAM and ROM are commonly used as the primary memory components in embedded systems. Input and output interfaces are necessary for embedded systems to work.