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Home > Resources > Embedded OS > Embedded OS
By allankliu
Created 05/03/2008 - 04:10
RESOURCES Electronics
Embedded OS [Linux & Co.]
Overview
[Wikipedia] [1], an embedded system is a special-purpose
computer system designed to perform one or a few
dedicated functions, sometimes with real-time computing
constraints. It is usually embedded as part of a complete
device including hardware and mechanical parts. In
contrast, a general-purpose computer, such as a personal
computer, can do many different tasks depending on programming. Embedded systems have
become very important today as they control many of the common devices we use.
Today, the boundaries between the general purpose PCs, the servers and the embedded
systems are more blurred. These computers are sharing same platforms, same peripherals.
For example, an x86/Mac PC can be used as a server, an x86/PowerPC CPU can be used in
an embedded system like portable navigation device (PND). On the other way, the popular
embedded processor StrongARM was a powerful desktop PC processor for the DEC
workstation, and the embedded systems often also act servers, like NAS (Network Attached
Storage). As same as the hardware suppliers, the OS suppliers port their products into the
desktop PCs, servers and embedded systems.
Nothing cuts to the heart of a development project like the choice of OS. Whether it's a tiny
scheduler or kernel, an open-source distribution, a tightly wound real-time operating system,
a fully featured commercial RTOS, or no OS at all, it drives all downstream software
decisions and many hardware decisions as well.
A survey shows us what's important to those who get a say in the choice of OS. The criteria
are:
Real-time performance
1.
Processor compatibility
2.
Software tools
3.
No royalties
4.
Price
5.
Memory footprint
6.
Simplicity
7.
Middelware
8.
Compatibility
9.
Services & Features
10.
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