What is RTOS? How does it operate, and what are its remarkable advantages?

When it comes to operating systems, familiar names like Windows, macOS for laptops, and Android, iOS for smartphones immediately come to mind. But have you ever heard of RTOS? If not, join us in exploring what RTOS is all about and how it functions.

Note: This article is translated and referenced from: Geeks for Geeks, Circut Today.

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What is RTOS?

RTOS (real-time operating system) is an operating system designed to serve real-time applications, with the ability to process input data quickly due to the absence of buffer delays.

Real-time operating systems (RTOS) are used in environments with a large number of events, tasks that need to be processed quickly or within a certain deadline. With RTOS, processing time is measured in milliseconds or less. Processing in RTOS must occur within specified time constraints, or system errors may occur.

Unlike conventional operating systems like Windows, Android, iOS, which contain numerous applications and features requiring startup time when opening applications, RTOS is designed for specific tasks, with tasks executed in real-time and errors isolated and handled promptly.

Operation Mechanism and Classification of RTOS

RTOS operates based on two mechanisms: event-driven or time-sharing. The event-driven mechanism resolves and coordinates tasks through their priority levels, while the time-sharing mechanism switches tasks based on the interrupt response of the clock pulse. Most RTOS operating systems use pre-emptive scheduling algorithms.

RTOS operating systems are typically divided into three main types:

• Hard RTOS: These operating systems always ensure that tasks are completed within a fixed, specific timeframe, without errors.
• Soft RTOS: These operating systems allow some relaxation in task execution time within permissible limits, as long as tasks are completed within the specified time.
• Firm RTOS: Operating systems with specific defined time limits and the highest level of accuracy. Firm RTOS ensures tasks are successfully completed even if they exceed the specified deadline.

Basic Functions of RTOS

Scheduler: In the Scheduler, each task has 3 default states:

• Ready to execute: Task state when it has all resources ready to run.
• Running: Task state currently being executed.
• Blocked: Task state where tasks lacking resources are placed into a blocked state.

RTOS Services (Real-time Operating System Services) offer various services:

• Interrupt handling services.
• Time services.
• Device management services.
• Memory management services.
• IO services.

Messaging (Message Exchange). These messages facilitate information exchange between tasks, including:

• Semaphores: Synchronize access to shared resources.
• Event flags: Synchronize operations requiring coordination among multiple tasks.
• Mailboxes, Pipes, Message queues: Manage messages sent and received between tasks.

Advantages of RTOS

In addition, real-time operating systems have several other advantages such as:

• High stability and reliability, allowing for long-term operation with minimal human intervention.
• Better performance with low memory consumption, avoiding excessive resource or RAM consumption.
• RTOS is nearly error-free, and any errors are easier to detect.
• Compact size and low cost.
• …

Applications of RTOS

RTOS finds its applications in various fields such as air traffic control systems, command and control systems, airline reservation systems, heart rate monitors, multimedia network systems, robots, microcontroller devices, IoT healthcare devices, and more.

Additionally, some tech gadgets equipped with RTOS include the Samsung Galaxy Fit2 smart wristband and the Samsung Galaxy Fit R370 smart wristband.

Conclusion

Here are some insights I've compiled about RTOS, a rather unique operating system that few are familiar with. I hope through this article, you'll gain the most comprehensive overview of RTOS, its advantages, functionalities, and applications.

Many thanks for taking the time to read through my article. If you have any additional information about RTOS, feel free to share it in the comments section below.

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