Summary
This chapter described the methods RTOSes use to ensure real-time responses to inputs. Key features available in common RTOSes were introduced, along with some challenges that commonly arise when implementing multitasking real-time applications. The chapter concluded with a listing of the key features of some popular open source and commercial RTOS implementations.
Having completed this chapter, you now understand what it means for a system to operate in real time and understand the key attributes a real-time embedded system must exhibit. You understand the RTOS features that embedded systems rely upon, as well as some challenges that frequently occur in real-time embedded system designs. You are also familiar with the key features of several popular RTOS implementations.
The next chapter introduces the concepts involved in the design of real-time embedded systems using FPGAs and works through a simple FPGA application example.
