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Embedded Operating System

An embedded operating system is a computer operating system designed for use in
embedded computer systems. These operating systems are designed to be small, resource-
efficient, dependable, and reduce many features that aren't required by specialized
applications.

The hardware that runs an embedded operating system is usually quite resource-constrained.
Embedded hardware systems are typically quite specific, and it means that these systems are
designed to cover certain tasks due to limited resources.

In this article, you will learn about the embedded operating system with its types and many
other features.

What is Embedded Operating System?

An embedded operating system is a computer operating system designed for use in
embedded computer systems. It has limited features. The term "embedded operating
system" also refers to a "real-time operating system". The main goal of designing an
embedded operating system is to perform specified tasks for non-computer devices. It allows
the executing programming codes that deliver access to devices to complete their jobs.

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An embedded operating ADVERTISEMENT

system is a combination of software and hardware. It produces an
easily understandable result by humans in many formats such as images, text, and voice.
Embedded operating systems are developed with programming code, which helps convert
hardware languages into software languages like C and C++.

The embedded operating system improves overall efficiency by controlling all hardware
resources and minimizing response times for specific tasks for which devices were built.

How does an Embedded System work?

People commonly wonder how an embedded system works since there is a high need for
complex product technology, which provides opportunities for embedded software
developers. In contrast to a desktop PC, which loads or runs applications, an embedded
operating system is built for fewer tasks and typically handles a single application on a
device.

Due to the limited scope of operating system functions, it must be reliable and run smoothly
with its size, processing power, and requirements. That specific application is essential to the
end product's functionality. Wind River VxWorks, Embedded Linux and Android, and QNX are
some of the top embedded operating systems for commercial and industrial applications.

History of Embedded Operating System

The Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) introduced embedded operating systems in the
1960s, while Linux and Android are more new developments to the market. The AGC is a
non-profit organization that promotes each Apollo command module (ACM), and Apollo
Lunar Module (ALM) had it installed. The AGC offered computation and electronic interfaces
for the navigation, guidance, and control of the spacecraft.

Since then, embedded computer systems have gone a long way, and the evolution appears
to be far from over, owing to advancements in microcontroller technology from 8-bit to 16-
bit, and eventually 32-bit. Since embedded computer systems are growing more complex,
operating systems have grown essential to manage embedded software effectively.

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Types of Embedded Operating System
There are various types of Embedded operating systems. Some of them are as follows:

Real-Time Operating System

A real-time operating system (RTOS) is a deterministic operating system with limited

functionalities that allows multi-threaded applications by giving processed outputs within set
time limitations. Since some apps are time-critical, they must be executed exactly when they
are expected to maintain the entire system functioning.

The real-time operating system is dependent on clock interruptions. Interrupt Service

Routine (ISR) interruptions are generated by this system. The Priority system was
implemented by RTOS for the execution of all types of processes. The process and the RTOS
are synchronized and can communicate with one another. The RTOS is stored on a ROM
(Read Only Memory) chip because this chip can store data for a long time.

Multi-tasking Operating System

The multitasking operating system may execute multiple tasks at the same time. In a
multitasking operating system, multiple tasks and processes run at the same time. If the
system contains more than one processor, it may perform a wide range of functions.

The multitasking operating system is switched between the multiple tasks. Some tasks are
waiting for events to occur, while others are receiving events and preparing to run. When
using a multitasking operating system, software development is easier since different
software components may be made independent of each other.

Preemptive Operating System

A multitasking operating system that interprets task preemption is known as a preemptive

operating system. A task with a higher priority is always defined and executed before a task
with a lower priority. Such multitasking operating systems improve system reaction to events
and simplify software development, resulting in a more dependable system. The system
designer may calculate the time required for service interpreters in the system and the time
required by the scheduler to switch tasks. Such systems can fail to meet a system's deadline,
and the program is unaware of the missed deadline. CPU load can be naturally measured in a
preemptive operating system by defining a lower priority process that does nothing except
increment the counter.

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Rate Monotonic Operating System

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Some embedded systems are designed to use a specific task scheduling method known as
'Rate Monotonic Scheduling'. It is an operating system that assures that tasks in a system
may operate for a specific amount of time and duration of time. It is a priority-based
scheduling algorithm. It is used in operating systems as a preemptive. It means that all tasks
can be interrupted or suspended by other tasks within a short period of time. It is generally
used to perform shorter tasks with higher priority.

Single System Control Loop

It is a very simple type of operating system designed to perform only one function. It is used
in several devices, including smartphones, thermostats or temperature controls, digital
controllable equipment, etc. Users may set any point of temperature variable as desired in
this type of OS. Several sensors are included in this system to determine various temperature
points in the environment.

Characteristics of Embedded Operating System

There are various characteristics of an embedded operating system. Some of them are as
follows:

1. It provides real-time operations.

2. Direct use of interrupts

3. Input/Output device flexibility

4. Reactive operation

5. Streamlined protection mechanisms

6. Configurability

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Popular Embedded Operating Systems

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There are various popular embedded operating systems. Some of them are as follows:
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eCos

It stands for 'Embedded Configurable Operating System', and all of its components provide
a wide range of configuration options. The eCos operating system may support a wide range
of popular embedded CPUs.

mbed OS

It is a free and open-source embedded operating system that offers a systematic and
comprehensive environment for intelligent hardware development.

VxWorks
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Wind River Company firstly introduced it in 1983. It is supported with task synchronization,
memory efficiency management, and other features.

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µC/OS-II:
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It is introduced based on the μC/OS principle. μC/OS-II may handle 64 tasks and provide
various functionalities such as interrupt services, task scheduling, memory management,
synchronization, and time management.

FreeRTOS

It is a lightweight operating system that supports the priority scheduling algorithm. It

provides various functionalities like memory management, message queue, task
management, semaphore, time management, etc.

QNX

QNX was created in 1980 and is a commercial embedded real operating system that requires
the POSIX specification to compile.

µ Clinux

It stands for 'Micro-Control Linux', and it is the latest version of embedded Linux. It is
capable of grab all features of the Linux operating system.

Embedded Operating System Uses

The embedded operating system is commonly used in various areas, including car navigation
systems, multimedia players, airplane navigation systems, and medical equipment.

Car navigation system

The car navigation system is a small computer system with a touch screen that enables the
driver to navigate numerous menus such as audio playback, radio, GPS and route mapping,
fuel level, hands-free calls, and tire pressure monitoring systems. All of these tasks are
performed by the computer to improve the driving experience.

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Parking Metering
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Smart city parking meters use the embedded system to manage the user input and track
time and costs. Depending on the design, these devices contain a variety of built-in
functions. For example, some sensors detect vehicle entry and exit, while others require the
driver to enter the parking space or vehicle license. A user interface offers the driver options,
including defining the expected return time and paying appropriately.

Medical Equipment

Medical equipment automatically monitors bio constants, administers drugs. If the bio
constants exceed or fall below a threshold value, it alerts the staff. As a result, it may help
doctors treat the patients, monitor health issues, and save their lives.

The navigation system of a plane

The navigation system of a plane is a good instance of a real-time operating system. The
main computer of an airplane is connected to most control systems such as the wing, engine,
pressure controls, and safety. As a result, it is specifically built to work inside a plane and help
with takeoff, landing, and emergency operations.

Advantages and disadvantages of Embedded Operating System

There are various advantages and disadvantages of an embedded operating system. Some of
them are as follows:

Advantages

There are various advantages of an embedded operating system. Some of them are as
follows:

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1. It is small in size and faster to load.

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2. It is low cost.

3. It is easy to manage.

4. It provides better stability.

5. It provides higher reliability.

6. It provides some interconnections.

7. It has low power consumption.

8. It helps to increase the product quality.

Disadvantages

There are various disadvantages of an embedded operating system. Some of them are as
follows:

1. It isn't easy to maintain.

2. The troubleshooting is harder.

3. It has limited resources for memory.

4. It isn't easy to take a back of embedded files.

5. You can't change, improve, or upgrade an embedded system once it's been developed.

6. If any problem occurs, you need to reset the setting.

7. Its hardware is limited.

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