Embedded operating systems are specific to one task and found in standalone equipment. They differ from standard operating systems as they only perform one task without user intervention. Microcontroller chips are used, and a complex or interactive system is required for an effective operating system. Real-time operating systems are also incorporated for immediate response procedures.
An embedded operating system serves a very specific purpose to the exclusion of all other functions. These operating systems are typically found in standalone computer equipment such as ATMs or navigation systems. Such a system typically runs a specific piece of programming, such as the guidance system on a rocket, and nothing else. This type of embedded system is often very important to real-time computer functions.
There is a big difference between a standard operating system and an embedded operating system. A standard operating system creates an environment where a user and computer can interact with each other to perform a huge variety of tasks. This is in direct contrast to an embedded system, which will only perform one type of task, and often will do so without any user intervention. While a normal operating system is installed on a multipurpose computer, an embedded system manages other electronic devices.
An embedded operating system is typically part of an embedded computer system. These systems are fixed-function, narrow-purpose computer systems. An integrated computer system manages nearly every electronic device available today. These tiny programs regulate everything from the apps on a cell phone to the heat in a toaster oven.
This type of system is centered around the microcontroller chips. These chips work like a small computer, gathering information, processing it, and then outputting information. Unlike a regular computer, a typical microcontroller chip can only do one thing. While all of these embedded systems have microcontroller chips, only the more complex ones have a full embedded operating system.
In general, for an embedded system to deliver a real operating system, it needs at least one of two things: complexity or interactivity. A complex system must acquire information from multiple sources, perform multiple types of operations, or output different information based on its situation. Essentially, it must be able to multitask.
The other common requirement for an effective operating system is interactivity. If a user needs to interact with the operation, especially if the operation is time dependent, they will usually have an integrated operating system. Since a standard controller simply accepts and sends data, a more complex system is required whenever a user needs to interact with that data.
Many real-time operating systems are also incorporated. This type of system requires immediate response to data input – latency and delay are not an option. Since an embedded system serves no purpose outside of its specific task, they work well together. These systems typically perform immediate response procedures, such as anti-lock break processes on a car.
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