The Embedded and Real-Time Linux Market
By Rick Lehrbaum
2000-01-31
Article Rating: / 0
| Rate This Article: |
Add This Article To: |
|
|
Why Linux?Recent years have seen a broadening array of operating system (OS) software options for embedded and real-time system applications. Today, most non-desktop "embedded" systems are based on one of the following alternatives:Microsoft Windows, in its three "flavors": Win98, WinNT, WinCEA wide variety of proprietary real-time OSes (RTOSes) -- VxWorks, Lynx, QNX, pSOS,... OS9, VRTX, SMX, . . . "Just plain DOS" -- Microsoft MS-DOS, Datalight ROM-DOS, Caldera DR DOS
UNIX, in many forms -- SCO, BSD, Solaris, . . .
"Home grown" OSes and RTOSesWith the increasing complexity and horsepower of embedded computers, higher end OS technologies have become a necessity, in order to take advantage of the full features of the system and to provide the application sophistication that has come to be expected. Embedded systems now commonly are based on 100+ MHz 486/586/Pentium class CPUs; and many incorporate sophisticated GUI interfaces, intranet/internet connectivity, high capacity Flash memory "solid state disks", and so forth. On top of this, there's a steadily escalating rate of hardware (and chipset) innovation and introduction, with the result that it's increasingly challenging for OS/RTOS suppliers to keep up with user demand that the latest devices be supported.
The result of all this, is that the number of practical OS/RTOS options -- except for low end microcontroller-level embedded systems -- is rapidly narrowing.
Today's highly sophisticated and empowered intelligent embedded systems demand the full power of operating systems like Windows 98 or Windows NT. Yet, embedded systems demand a high degree of reliability, and also must generally be tailored to function autonomously; it's not acceptable for embedded systems to behave like desktop PCs. Such appliance-like embedded system operation is not particularly suited to OSes like Windows.
In the past, system developers have embedded DOS successfully, using it primarily as a platform for running the system's specialized application software. But DOS is no longer relevant in the world of large memory spaces, 32 bit processors, complex GUI functions, and Ethernet/internet connectivity. The replacement for DOS -- Windows -- unfortunately doesn't provide a particularly developer-friendly toolset and is overstuffed with desktop features such as plug-and-play peripheral configuration, that run counter to the predictability requirements of embedded systems.
As an alternative, embedded system developers have made use of a wide variety of real-time operating systems (RTOSes) that provide support for embedded applications and are designed to accommodate the special requirements of embedded systems. A significant problem with RTOSes, however, is that they lack standardization, resulting in a high development investments and serious risks of dependence on the support capabilities of the RTOS vendor and the development capabilities of a single, highly skilled programmer.
Against this background, a new option has emerged: Linux. Linux provides powerful system management facilities, a rich cadre of peripheral interface support, has an excellent reputation for robustness and reliability, is well documented, and -- best of all -- is available at no charge with complete source code. Although Linux, in its common condition, is relatively large and demanding of system resources, it is also highly modular and can be scaled down to configurations barely larger than DOS (there are a number of single- and dual-floppy Linux distributions).
The open-source aspect of Linux has given rise to an entirely new "market" reality: tens of thousands of developers contribute on an ongoing basis to a continually evolving Linux. Fortunately, mechanisms have been constructed to manage the open-source revision control process quite successfully. Surely, the Linux market is deserving of no less a description than "phenomenon"! Today, dozens of software companies support Linux in a wide range of applications, from desktop workstations, to deeply embedded devices. All share a common kernel, common drivers, common GUIs, common utilities. Yet, all provide their unique application oriented add-ons, development assistance, and support.
The result: there are now effectively just three principal OS choices for most embedded or real-time systems (not counting the deeply embedded microcontroller-level apps):- Windows (98, NT, CE)
- Proprietary RTOSes (QNX, VxWorks, Lynx, ...)
- Linux (several major and many minor distributions)
The following presentation, given by LinuxDevices.com founder Rick Lehrbaum at LinuxWorld Expo (February 4, 2000), reviews the embedded market opportunity for Linux.
* View presentation *
FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.
Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.
Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.
Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.
High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.
Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.
Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.
Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper. |
|
|
|
news feed
