Operating systems

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Today, embedded systems in industrial environments increasingly have to meet real-time requirements.

With solutions such as FreeRTOS or Preempt_RT, emtrion offers you different approaches to meet the requirements of real-time systems.

Since different approaches have different advantages and disadvantages, we analyze the planned environment in advance and coordinate the implementation with your specifications.

Real-time operating systems

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FreeRTOS

FreeRTOS is an open-source real-time operating system (RTOS) for embedded systems that was developed specifically for microcontrollers. It is based on a microkernel architecture and provides mechanisms for task management, inter-process communication and event control to enable the development of efficient real-time applications. The system is lean and flexible, making it ideal for resource-constrained environments commonly found in IoT and edge devices. In addition, FreeRTOS provides a variety of libraries that facilitate application development.

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Zephyr

Zephyr is an open-source real-time operating system (RTOS) developed by the Linux Foundation and is particularly suitable for IoT applications. It is scalable and supports a wide range of hardware, from small microcontrollers to more complex systems. Zephyr is characterized by its modularity, which enables flexible adaptation to the requirements of embedded systems. It was first introduced in 2016 and has since evolved into a powerful and versatile platform for real-time applications.

Operating systems

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Linux

Linux is an open source operating system that is characterized by its freely accessible source code and can therefore be individually adapted. The central component of Linux is the kernel, which controls the hardware of a computer, supplemented by tools and applications that make up a complete operating system. Linux is particularly popular due to its stability, security and free availability and is used in servers, computers, IoT devices and supercomputers.

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Industrial Android

Android is an open-source mobile operating system developed by Google and based on a modified version of the Linux kernel. The operating system is characterized by its versatility, large selection of apps and regular updates and allows developers to create their own applications and customizations.
Industrial Android is a specially adapted version of the Android operating system that has been developed for use in industrial environments. In contrast to standard Android, it offers extended functions such as increased data security, longer software support cycles and customization options for specific hardware. This version is often used in robust devices such as mobile terminals or industrial controllers that need to function reliably under difficult conditions.

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What are Embedded Systems?

Embedded systems are computer systems that specific function within a larger system. They are Part of a device or machine. Im Gegensatz zu gewöhnlichen Computern sind eingebettete Systeme limited to certain tasks.

Nowadays, we find them almost everywhere, for example in smartwatches, microwave ovens, construction machinery, transportation systems, medical devices or production facilities. Embedded systems are among the Core components of Industry 4.0; they enable the digital automation and control of machines, processes, devices and similar systems.

Characteristics of embedded systems are

Specialized functions: Embedded systems are designed and optimized for a specific task or function.
Real-time operation: Many embedded systems must operate in real time, which means that they must react deterministically to events as soon as they occur.
Resource limitationsEmbedded systems often have to make do with very limited resources in terms of memory, computing power and energy consumption. They are therefore designed to be particularly efficient.
Long service life: Many embedded systems are designed for a long service life and must function reliably for years or even decades.

Interface integration: Embedded systems are often closely integrated with the hardware in which they are embedded. They use special interfaces and protocols to communicate with other parts of the system.

Categorization of embedded systems

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Categorization by Complexity

Simple control systems are used to perform basic control and monitoring tasks. They are usually based on microcontrollers and have limited computing power and memory. Examples include simple household appliances, thermostats and alarm systems.
Medium-sized embedded systems can perform more complex tasks. They use more powerful microcontrollers or digital signal processors (DSPs) and have more memory. Examples include industrial control systems, medical devices and simple communication systems.
Complex embedded systems: These systems are designed for demanding tasks that require high computing power and high memory capacity. They are based on powerful processors, such as application processors or system-on-chip (SoC) solutions. Examples include driver assistance systems, flight control systems and advanced communication systems.

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Categorization by Function

The following list is not exhaustive, but only shows some important categories:

Real-time systems must be able to react to events in real time. They guarantee that certain tasks are completed within a specified time. Real-time systems can occur in various levels of complexity, from simple control systems to complex systems. Examples include automotive control systems, robot control systems and industrial automation systems.

Network and communication systems are specially designed for communication and data exchange between different devices and systems. They are used at various levels of the communication infrastructure, from simple network devices to complex telecommunications systems. Examples include routers, switches and base stations for mobile networks.

Mobile and wearable embedded systems are specially designed for use in mobile and wearable devices and are characterized by low power consumption, low weight and compact design. Examples include cell phones, smartwatches and portable medical devices.

emtrion is your partner for embedded systems of all kinds

We are experts in embedded systems. Whether you need a complex system or a simple solution, we are happy to support you with our wide range of services: