Real Time or Real Linux? A Realistic Alternative

May 2007
13 pages

Real Time or Real Linux? A Realistic Alternative

Designers of embedded systems have become increasingly interested in the Linux operating system, largely because of its open source model. However, the standard Linux kernel can't deliver the hard realtime capabilities that a large number of embedded systems demand. In this paper, we look at using a POSIX-based RTOS designed for embedded systems that not only allows Linux developers to keep their programming model, but also maintains the key advantages of Linux's open source model.

Contents

Filling the Realtime Gap — Realtime Implemented Outside of Linux — The Best of Both Worlds — Additional Microkernel Services — Licensing Issues — A Matter of Synergy [+]

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Author
Romain Saha
rsaha@qnx.com

Romain Saha

Romain Saha is Segment Manager at QNX, which he joined in 2003.

Before joining QNX, Romain held positions of increasing responsibility in product management and product marketing at MOSAID Technologies and AIT Corporation. While at MOSAID he served as co-chair of the Network Processing Forum's Lookaside Task Group, whose mandate is to promote interoperability between network processors and co-processors, including ternary Content Addressable Memories (CAMs).

When he is not at QNX, Romain may be found with his guitar and his band, the Curbside Insomniacs. He holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and a B.Comm, both from Carleton Univesity.

Author
Paul Leroux
paull@qnx.com

Paul Leroux

Paul Leroux is an award-winning writer, technology analyst, and public relations manager. He has been with QNX Software Systems for more than 20 years, where he is particularly valued for his knowledge of the embedded industry and for his ability to explain complex technical issues to both specialists and non-specialists.

Leroux maintains the blog On Q, which he describes as "a personal mashup of QNX, cars, embedded systems, M2M, and photography."

When he is not writing whitepapers or blogging, Leroux is an avid snowshoer and wildlife photographer. He holds a B.A. and an M.A., both from Concordia University in Montreal.