Do You Need a Real-Time OS?

During a series of seminars I gave on microcontrollers, someone asked when they would need to use a real-time operating system.  I bet engineers and system designers ask that question frequently, so more information will help them answer it. (For the seminar series, visit: http://www.designnews.com/lecture-calendar.asp.)

Basically, real time depends on your reference.  The display on my dishwasher counts down from a preset time in minutes as it goes through various cycles. Eventually the display reaches 1 and a minute later the display turns off.  But I have watched the display show a 1 for as long as five minutes!  The dishwasher does not operate in "real time" and its display serves only to show about how long the dishwasher has to run. This type of control goes under the heading "soft real time" because an extra five minutes isn't something to worry about.

On the other hand, when pilots must change course, they want an immediate response from aircraft hydraulics as they move cockpit controls. A five-minute delay would seem like eternity. The aircraft controller operates in "hard real time," because it must respond within a specified time.  This type of control requires a real-time operating system, while the dishwasher does not.

In essence, you must measure the worst-case response of your software and determine if that case meets the "deadline" described in product specifications. Those specs define "real time" for your software and hardware. If this worst-case timing cannot meet the specifications, you need an RTOS, and you might need to look for bottlenecks in your code and try to reduce its worst-case time. Keep in mind that timing depends upon the processor, its speed, the response time of peripherals, and the timing of external events. An RTOS also has its own worst-case response time, so keep that in mind, too.

So how can you measure the worst-case execution times (WCETs) of your code? You can use tools that perform a static analysis of your code, measure code-execution times, or run simulations. The paper, "The Worst-Case Execution Time Problem--Overview of Methods and Survey of Tools," from the ACM Transactions on Embedded Computing Systems, provides much useful information about software that performs these functions and how the analyses work. Find the paper at: http://www.cs.fsu.edu/~whalley/papers/tecs07.pdf.

Rapida Systems published a paper, "RapiTime Explained," which describes how WCET tools operate and the type of information they provide. Find the paper at: http://www.rapitasystems.com/downloads/rapitime_explained_white_paper. According to the company, "RapiTime 3.0 is compatible with virtually every 8, 16, and 32-bit microprocessor on the market. It can also be used with DSPs."

AbsInt also sells a WCET-analysis software package, aiT WCET Analyzers. Learn more at: http://www.absint.com/ait/analysis.htm. In 2010, NASA used the aiT analyzer to demonstrate the absence of timing-related software defects in the unintended acceleration investigation of Toyota vehicles.

The WCET tools can knock a hole in a project budget, but you must balance that cost with the need for real-time performance.  So, the answer to whether or not you need a hard real-time OS depends on a thorough quantitative analysis of your system's timing. In many cases, MCU-based designs can use a simple scheduler, while processor-based equipment in large, complex designs demands an RTOS.  MCU vendors can tell you which schedulers or RTOSs will run on their chips. Microchip, for example, provides a list of 3rd party RTOS vendors on its Web site. Just search for "RTOS." --Jon Titus

buy facebook fans

By buy facebook fans February 8, 2012 - 6:58am

Fan bullet provides the options to buy Facebook fans that too at affordable rates and in the quantity you want. This helps in getting more fans. For more details and offers for Facebook fans visit http://www.fanbullet.com/facebook-fans/.

buy facebook fans

ray-ban I completely agree

By vindisesl February 11, 2012 - 10:17am

ray-ban
I completely agree with you. I really like this article. It contains a lot of useful information. I can set up my new idea from this post.

Of course they didn't

By Pero February 11, 2012 - 6:28pm

Of course they didn't integrate a buck converter in its entirety, as an external inductor is required. Free Bingo

In essence, you must measure

By Mauro February 12, 2012 - 9:02pm

In essence, you must measure the worst-case response of your software and determine if that case meets the "deadline" described in product specifications. Those specs define "real time" for your software and hardware. If this worst-case timing cannot meet the specifications, you need an RTOS, and you might need to look for bottlenecks in your code and try to reduce its worst-case time. Keep in mind that timing depends upon the processor, its speed, the response time of peripherals, and the timing of external events. An RTOS also has its own worst-case response time, so keep that in mind, too.
game ontwikkelaar

hi

By melinda February 14, 2012 - 2:21am

Based on a proprietary design that allows the software, firmware and hardware to be dynamically reconfigured using web-based software downloads, the USBee RX and its ever growing list of Applications ensures that you will always have the most current tools available for years to come.tøj til store kvinder

Post very nicely written, and

By vindiesel February 14, 2012 - 11:02am

Post very nicely written, and it contains useful facts. I am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post. Now you make it easy for me to understand and implement. Thanks for sharing with us
CA520

I can set up my new idea from

By vindiesel February 14, 2012 - 11:05am

I can set up my new idea from this post.

Toenail Fungus

Thanks a lot

By Michael February 15, 2012 - 7:40pm

I usually don’t comment on blogs but this blog is great.Love your site! Some great advice Selidbe Beograd | Kutije za selidbe | selidbe cena | Selidba klavira beograd

Basically, real time depends

By Alidon February 16, 2012 - 6:27pm

Basically, real time depends on your reference. The display on my dishwasher counts down from a preset time in minutes as it goes through various cycles. Eventually the display reaches 1 and a minute later the display turns off. But I have watched the display show a 1 for as long as five minutes! The dishwasher does not operate in "real time" and its display serves only to show about how long the dishwasher has to run. This type of control goes under the heading "soft real time" because an extra five minutes. home security Dallas | 10 York Tridel Condo

Thanks for building it clear!

By quartz February 17, 2012 - 3:43am

Thanks for building it clear! I have been searching about this topic april fool sms messages. I am glad to have found it here facebook status ideas. Always keep up the good work and always keep endeavor towards the top!

Awesome picture.It,s so

By huen February 17, 2012 - 3:53am

Awesome picture.It,s so interesting and remember able moment when all friends are together and have a lot of fun.Oil Mill Suppliers

I am appreciating it very

By adler harvey February 17, 2012 - 6:36am

I am appreciating it very much! Looking forward to another great blog. Good luck to the author! all the best!
bar equipment

Real

By Aster Beatrix February 17, 2012 - 10:35am

Well lots of people really do not know about real time operating systems but i guess your this very placement will briefly explain about such specific term. All you have to do is alfa romeo most expensive keep placing more in future for all of us.

A few things i have always

By bili February 18, 2012 - 6:31am

A few things i have always told folks is that while looking for a good on the net electronics shop, there are a few aspects that you have to take into account. First and foremost, you should make sure to locate a reputable and also reliable retail store that has enjoyed great assessments and scores from other customers and business sector advisors. This will make certain you are handling a well-known store that provides good services and support to the patrons. Thank you for sharing your notions on this website.
sleep number c4 bed

In essence, you must measure

By Fabio February 18, 2012 - 9:18pm

In essence, you must measure the worst-case response of your software and determine if that case meets the "deadline" described in product specifications. Those specs define "real time" for your software and hardware. If this worst-case timing cannot meet the specifications, you need an RTOS, and you might need to look for bottlenecks in your code and try to reduce its worst-case time. Keep in mind that timing depends upon the processor, its speed, the response time of peripherals, and the timing of external events. An RTOS also has its own worst-case response time, so keep that in mind, too. erotic paintings | stedentrip

Under Armour

By ian February 19, 2012 - 10:10am

Under Armour
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post

New Era Hats

By New Era Hats February 19, 2012 - 10:56pm

Two years ago, a certain day, I filled with the ruins of a sense. At that time, the uncle told me the story of a New Era Hats. It is said that a cold winter, a wall standing in front of Walker, blocking his way. Climb walls or without success, he chose the former, but has been climbing unsuccessful. Lost in the cold weather keeping warm Snapback Caps, the human ear is very easy to frostbite, and even life-threatening. The last monk decisively NFL Hats thrown on the other side of the wall, and then exhausted body strength jumped over not MLB Hats to retrieve the NHL Hats move. So far I still clearly remember the NBA Hats story. A lot of time is a drastic lack of courage!

I am currently teaching a

By Anonymous February 20, 2012 - 6:07am

I am currently teaching a class and part of the curriculum involves this subject matter. Do you have any other posts I can look at regarding this?

florist online singapore | sending flowers to sweden

Yes, Cheyne, you are correct.

By abrahamjenkins February 22, 2012 - 8:33am

Yes, Cheyne, you are correct. In fact I usachurch.com is one of the church directories in which I think every church should setup a listing. Though, I have to admit, I find getting a church listed to be a frustrating process sometimes. I wish it were quicker and easier.
Custom Essay | Custom Dissertation

Well said ,to the modern

By Andrew Hayes February 23, 2012 - 3:38am

Well said ,to the modern world appliances real time operating system plays very important role to make life easy from dishwasher to aircraft So, the answer to whether or not you need a hard real-time OS depends on a thorough quantitative analysis of your system's timing.In essence, you must measure the worst-case response of your software and determine if that case meets the "deadline" described in product specifications. Personal injury claims

Actually yes, what i think is

By Robin February 24, 2012 - 2:56am

Actually yes, what i think is about this topic is yes, everyone need real time os, its good and useful.
home golf simulator

bodybuilding supplements

By markjames February 27, 2012 - 12:28am

Post very nicely written, and it contains useful facts. I am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post. Now you make it easy for me to understand and implement. Thanks for sharing with us.
bodybuilding supplements

I am very enjoyed for this

By kourtney foxx February 27, 2012 - 6:20am

I am very enjoyed for this blog. Its an informative topic.It help me very much to solve some problems. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy.I think it may be help all of you.Thanks a lot for enjoying this beauty blog with me.
mole removal

Microsoft EPM

By syedzain February 27, 2012 - 9:54pm

really worth to read all info,thanks a lot .I already bookmarked this great website: Very enlightening stuff.
Microsoft EPM

Keep in mind that timing

By Mario February 28, 2012 - 3:42am

Keep in mind that timing depends upon the processor, its speed, the response time of peripherals, and the timing of external events. An omega xl also has its own worst-case response time, so keep that in mind, too.

Beautiful .. Amazing seo I

By patrick February 28, 2012 - 4:06am

Beautiful .. Amazing seo I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also...I'm happy to find numerous useful information here in the post.

http://thedogstories.com/2011/09/jardin-smith-international/

By JARDIN SMITH INTERNATIONAL February 28, 2012 - 4:17am

JARDIN SMITH INTERNATIONAL
NICE GOOD
I will bookmark useful information here in the post. I am happy to find bookmark numerous.I am very enjoyed for this blog.

Post very nicely written, and

By Fronjo February 28, 2012 - 10:44am

Post very nicely written, and it contains useful facts. I am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post. Now you make it easy for me to understand and implement. Thanks for sharing with us: Auto News

response

By laura February 28, 2012 - 5:09pm

in countries where such demographic issues exist because of strong gender preferences in a segment of the population, regulatory and legal control of, without denial of access to, sperm sorting technology can be utilized to provide individuals with choices while ensuring that equal numbers of boys and girls are produced for population demographic equality. how to conceive a girl

you're right, Laurie

By Simona February 28, 2012 - 7:16pm

Local wind conditions affect wave quality, since the surface of a wave can become choppy in blustery conditions. Ideal conditions include a light to moderate "offshore" wind, because it blows into the front of the wave, making it a "barrel" or "tube" wave. Waves are Left handed and Right Handed. surfboard size chart

...in contrast

By Sergio February 28, 2012 - 7:44pm

In contrast, putative fossil cyanobacteria cells from the 3.4 Ga Warrawoona Group in Western Australia are in dispute since abiotic processes cannot be ruled out.[7] Confirmation of the Warrawoona microstructures as cyanobacteria would profoundly impact our understanding of when and how early life diversified, pushing important evolutionary milestones further back in time. The continued study of these oldest fossils is paramount to calibrate complementary molecular phylogenetics models. Facts About Fossils

Hello

By mode für mollige February 29, 2012 - 2:41am

You have completed an amazing work writing the story; I enjoyed what you have written so much mode für mollige

Interesting post and thanks

By essie bednar February 29, 2012 - 4:47am

Interesting post and thanks for sharing. Some things in here I have not thought about before.Thanks for making such a cool post which is really very well written. Will be referring a lot of friends about this. Keep blogging
antioxidant supplement

nice job!

By Fussini February 29, 2012 - 12:28pm

NICE job, I will bookmark useful information here in the post. I am happy to find bookmark numerous.I am very enjoyed for this blog.dofolllow backlinks

Hey guys thanks for sharing

By ionablair March 1, 2012 - 3:04am

Hey guys thanks for sharing theinformation, it was a nice content to read thanks again for sharing, keep up the good work.
free cell phone spy software

Thank you for this

By Anonymous March 1, 2012 - 7:21am

Thank you for this documentary ... thank you, thank you. And thank you to the amazing Mr Glendinning.

Regards,
College Essays Writing Help

right

By Anonymous March 1, 2012 - 10:25am

telefon dinleme cihazları

By telefon dinleme March 1, 2012 - 12:17pm

telefon dinleme dinleme cihazı telefon dinleme cihazı casus telefon

telefon dinleme

By telefon dinleme March 1, 2012 - 12:21pm

casus telefon casus telefon

By telefon dinleme March 1, 2012 - 12:23pm

casus telefon casus telefon telefon dinleme telefon dinleme ses dinleme cihazı casus telefon

I visit many blogs to know

By sallymax March 2, 2012 - 1:00am

I visit many blogs to know new details continuously. Here I found your blog to be quite interesting. I am almost excited with all the information of your site.I really do enjoy this great website and your post was really amazing.
cell spyware

Its opportunity.........

By clark March 2, 2012 - 9:44am

Its opportunity is so fantastic and working style so speedy. I think it may be help all of you. Thanks a lot for enjoying this beauty blog with me.
yohimbine hydrochloride

The cursor also will

By Malik March 2, 2012 - 7:17pm

The cursor also will establish an x-axis position from which you can make relative measurements of time, voltage at Book London Minicab | , current, or other units. And you can zoom and scroll through graphed information at any time.

New Era Hats

By New Era Hats March 2, 2012 - 10:15pm

The comfortable, breathable jacket wind and waterproof outdoor family favorite New Era Hats, and now as a fashion appeared. Heavy liner to give up,use bright fluorescent color, the sleeves rolled up, exposing the small arm to bring all kinds of color bracelet. In order to highlight the blouse Snapback Caps, the election of a dark-colored tight-fitting jeans, best seven points, because of this, colored high-heeled boots and T-shirt and bracelet to match.it is issued by www.newerahats-sales.com 2012.03.03

Looks it is great one to

By Dunhill Martin March 3, 2012 - 4:05am

Looks it is great one to try.

ipad keyboard cases

Your thoughts, ideas, really

By laeo March 5, 2012 - 3:29am

Your thoughts, ideas, really very special, very interesting. Your article content is also very rich.jaw crusher for stone

I have read most of them and

By islajohn March 5, 2012 - 4:26am

I have read most of them and got a lot from them. To me, you are doing the great work. Carry on this. work at home In the end, I would like to thank you for making such a nice website..!
clubmz reviews

The paper, "The Worst-Case

By Pero March 5, 2012 - 7:26am

The paper, "The Worst-Case Execution Time Problem--Overview of Methods and Survey of Tools," from the ACM Transactions on Embedded Computing Systems, provides much useful information about software that performs these functions and how the analyses work. Find the paper at: Bali villas | Commercial mortgage refinance

Best way to rescue your own

By Toolman11 March 5, 2012 - 7:49am

Best way to rescue your own will is to sleep with the pills "Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this."

Regards,
Buy Power Tools

Keep the lamb grow up " I

By Toolman11 March 5, 2012 - 8:14am

Keep the lamb grow up " I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you're stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. "

Regards,
Makita Tool Parts

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
By submitting this form, you accept the Mollom privacy policy.