The selection of an embedded operating system (OS) or Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) is a foundational decision for any project, as it must align seamlessly with unique project requirements to prevent long-term strategic risks. Key considerations for choosing the right OS include modularity for future expansion, the need for high-performance code to optimize processor use, and robust provisions for safety and security. For safety-critical applications, solutions like Arm's Functional Safety (FuSa) Run-Time-System offer certified software components optimized for Arm Cortex-M processors, enabling the use of the highest safety integrity levels (SIL).
The use of a real-time operating system (RTOS) in a safety-critical system demands that the RTOS component also undergoes rigorous verification. In cases when regulatory certification is mandatory this also implies specific documentation and testing processes for the targeted safety standards.
Arm’s Functional Safety (FuSa) solution provides a robust, engineering-focused framework for developing safety-critical systems that meet ISO 26262, IEC 61508, and other functional safety standards. It includes safety-certified processor IP (such as Cortex-R and Cortex-A families), safety documentation packages (FMEDA, safety manuals, and safety cases), and toolchain support designed to streamline safety analysis and integration.
MapuSoft Technologies provides embedded software porting and development tools. The company offers innovative software solutions for automated application porting, OS abstraction, OS simulation, profiling and software code conversion.
"In the complex landscape of embedded software development, success is often determined by a few critical foundational decisions. At the heart of every project lies the choice of an Operating System or RTOS. Since the OS serves as the core of your application design, it must align seamlessly with your project’s unique requirements. In a market crowded with commercial options, the wrong choice isn't just a technical hurdle—it's a long-term strategic risk. We ensure your foundation is built for decades of stability, not years of complications."
The key to selecting the correct operating system is to first consider the requirements, current and future. Is your product going to expand in the future? Are you building your code base as software components that can be used in other projects? Is your software maintainable? What about safety and security? These are just a few of the questions that engineering teams must grapple with. So, what is an embedded operating system, and is it necessarily an RTOS? One key element in selecting the right operating system is modularity. When developing an embedded system, the configuration of the product will be different for every type of application. Some products are standalone devices, while other need connectivity such as internet or Bluetooth. The ability to add these features in the future is important for longevity of the product.
This will reduce the need to use a more expensive, power-hungry processor. In some cases, hard real real-time operating system (RTOS) designed specifically for embedded microprocessors is required. It provides a basic multitasking environment. Example for such RTOS is Arm Keil RTX which utilizes a modular architecture while providing a real-time multitasking kernel. Adding other components to the kernel is as easy as including the code in the build system.
For example, Arm’s FuSa RTS is a set of certified software components for safety certification in a wide range of embedded applications. It enables you to use the highest safety integrity levels (SIL) for your end applications. This set of qualified components is highly optimized for Arm Cortex-M processors. It contains a real-time operating system (RTOS), an independent processor abstraction layer and a verified C library. FuSa RTS is certified by TÜV SÜD for use in a wide range of safety standard certification processes.When using a processor with Memory Management Unit or ArmV8, you can use other alternatives. This includes a real-time separation kernel and development kit that leverages multicore CPU hardware virtualization features. Through virtualization and real-time control, you can isolate and protect fully independent computing environments.Pertech Embedded Solutions engineering team can help you select the correct solution based on your requirements.
Pertech offers high-level expertise to guide you in choosing an RTOS that aligns with your project's unique requirements, including safety, security, and future modularity. We help you navigate commercial options like ARM RTS RTOS to build a stable foundation and reduce long-term strategic risks, ensuring compliance for safety-critical systems.
Pertech offers Arm’s Functional Safety (FuSa) solution, a robust framework including safety-certified processor IP, comprehensive safety documentation, and toolchain support. This streamlines safety analysis and integration, helping you meet standards like ISO 26262 and IEC 61508, thereby reducing development time and risk.
Yes, Pertech provides MapuSoft Technologies' embedded software porting and development tools. These innovative solutions enable automated application porting, OS abstraction, OS simulation, profiling, and software code conversion, significantly accelerating your development cycles and reducing complexity.
Pertech provides local expert support in Israel, ensuring fast responses and real engineering assistance for implementing and troubleshooting operating systems and development tools. This local presence reduces procurement friction and offers reliable pre-sales guidance and post-sales support, minimizing project delays.
