What is the RTOS Platform, its Types, and Applications?
We all are well aware of operating systems (OS) and how they are responsible for managing and running computers and hosting applications. An RTOS (real-time operating system) platform comes with specialized features to run applications that require a high degree of reliability and precise timing to manage system resources. It is designed to perform specific applications in real-time, especially in measurement, control, and automation systems where it is required to perform certain tasks within a specified time constraint. Any downtime or delay could cause any production loss or safety hazard.
An RTOS platform serves real-time operations without any buffer or delays to avoid any system failure. Applications or systems running with real-time operating systems guarantee that a program will execute with very consistent timing within the defined time frame. An RTOS provides a high degree of control over how each task is prioritized and helps in monitoring to check that all the important deadlines are met for various operations.
The three main types of RTOS platforms include:
· Hard Real-Time System
A hard real-time system meets command deadlines for every task with strict rules. Each task is executed as per their specified schedule to meet system requirements. The best example of a hard-time system is an aircraft system.
· Firm Real-Time System
A firm real-time system also follows a specified time frame to execute and complete a task to meet deadlines. However, if the system misses a deadline, it won’t impact its performance and productivity at any level like in a hard real-time system. A multimedia application is a fine example of a firm real-time system.
· Soft Real-Time System
Meeting deadlines to perform certain tasks is not necessary for a soft real-time system. Any delay or buffer is acceptable as it doesn’t cause any production loss or safety hazard. A price quotation system is a fine example of a soft real-time system.
Apart from time dependency, a real-time operating system can also be event-driven depending on the specific objectives. In these systems, tasks are switched based on priority scheduling to perform specific tasks on a priority basis. Any RTOS platform has the components such as the scheduler, function library, symmetric multiprocessing, memory management, fast dispatch latency, and data objects and classes for the efficiency of the system.
Application of an RTOS platform
A real-time operating system is used in measurement, control, automation, communication, transaction, and image processing systems. The most common applications of an RTOS platform include:
· Online reservation systems
· Traffic control systems
· RADAR and other defense applications
· Measurement and testing applications
· Multimedia systems
· Internet telephony
· Heart pacemaker
There are many advantages of using a real-time operating system for a variety of applications. It improves the system efficiency, productivity, performance without any delay or system failure. You can select an RTOS platform based on its responsiveness, safety certifications, licensing, and available resources to meet your specific application requirements.
