How to Choose a Right Embedded Operating System?

By using an operating system, all modern embedded systems are built.

Recep Karaca
Recep Karaca
16 March 2022 Wednesday 12:34
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How to Choose a Right Embedded Operating System?

By using an operating system, all modern embedded systems are built. Because of this, the choice of that OS usually occurs early in the design process. How to choose the right embedded computer?

Advanced Technology announces a range of embedded computing solutions powered by Intel Xeon D-1700/2700 processors. AIR-500D, ARK-7060, MIC-790 edge AI servers, and SOM-5993 COM Express and SOM-D580 COM-HPC server modules are included in the launch.

Almost all embedded systems are built on top of some operating system. As a result, the choice of that operating system usually occurs early in the design process.

The selection process can be complicated for some developers. When selecting an operating system, what should you consider?

Is an OS even necessary?

An OS is required for many embedded applications. With a complex application running on a high-end processor, an operating system would undoubtedly be beneficial. The opposite is true - simple software running on a low-end CPU does not need an operating system.

There are two other possibilities: a simple program running on a complex processor or complicated software running on a low-end processor.

It may appear that an OS would not benefit in either case and might reduce efficiency.

You wish to move to a more powerful device. Architecting your code around a multi-tasking model provides a great solution to making it more scalable.

How can you obtain an operating system?

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming increasingly popular in embedded systems.

In any segment, AI is used almost, such as manufacturing, supply chain, e-commerce, industrial control, and many more.

In general, embedded operating systems can be obtained in three ways:

  • Create your own
  • You can take advantage of ‘open source or free ‘products
  • A commercial vendor may sell/license you a product

In most cases, option (1) is not a good option, as it is unlikely that your specific needs are so specialized that no existing product can address them.  Writing an OS for academic purposes to better understand how such a product works is likely the only exception.

Factors that influence the OS Selection

Choosing an operating system involves asking yourself or others a series of questions. In truth, the process is dominated by concerns regarding the technical aspects of an OS, as it would seem. While business factors - such as cost - are essential, personal characteristics like experience cannot be disregarded.

Are there any technical factors affecting the selection?

The embedded development tools included in Embedded Studio allow you to perform streamlined, professional embedded development in C and C++.

OS selection is heavily influenced by its technical features. It is essential to know these features completely before considering other factors.

Let's move to the Crux of the discussion.

In summary, it can be seen that selecting an embedded OS is not an easy task. You should must be considered the profusion of factors. You should consider technical considerations and feel the experience and commercial matters.

There are about four different operating systems on desktop computers to choose from. However, embedded systems have at least dozens of options. Why is that?

It is simple to say that desktop computers are all pretty similar, but embedded systems are different. Embedded systems differ both from a technical and a commercial perspective. Therefore, it is vital to select them carefully.