embedded linux vs RTOS

[dayal]

Hi,

what is embedded linux , can anyone tellme what is the difference between embedded linux and RTOS.

regards
dayal

 

[amraldo]

Embedded Linux as the name implies is putting Linux kernel into an embedded device.
Thus the Linux is used an embedded OS.

RTOS is a real-time OS where the most important c/cs is deterministic. Where you know the exact time of the OS API execution. This is not necessary in an embedded OS like the Embedded Linux.

RTOS fits more in hard real-time systems where functionality + timing is needed (Breaking systems for example). Most RTOS have less memory requirements compared to embedded Linux.

Embedded Linux fits more in systems where functionality is important and timing is of less importance. Embedded Linux has more memory requirements compared to other RTOS.

There are spin-offs of the Linux kernel like RT-Linux and RATI, where programmers have changed the kernel itself to be deterministic. The standard Linux kernel is not deterministic.

 

[123jack]

you might also want to look at Forth
That would give you an OS and fully scalable
programming environment all in one.

Its a bit out of fashion these days which is curious
considering its advantages. Of course you would have to learn
to think backwards... ;-)

jack

 

[dayal]

hi amraldo,

thanks for ur reply, i got some overview about ur points ,its helped me to learn these topics. awaiting more information about this....

thanks & regards
dayal

Embedded Linux as the name implies is putting Linux kernel into an embedded device.
Thus the Linux is used an embedded OS.

RTOS is a real-time OS where the most important c/cs is deterministic. Where you know the exact time of the OS API execution. This is not necessary in an embedded OS like the Embedded Linux.

RTOS fits more in hard real-time systems where functionality + timing is needed (Breaking systems for example). Most RTOS have less memory requirements compared to embedded Linux.

Embedded Linux fits more in systems where functionality is important and timing is of less importance. Embedded Linux has more memory requirements compared to other RTOS.

There are spin-offs of the Linux kernel like RT-Linux and RATI, where programmers have changed the kernel itself to be deterministic. The standard Linux kernel is not deterministic.

 

[amraldo]

You can check www.embedded-tips.blogspot.com for more information about RTOS.
--
Amr