What Is a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)?

Meaning, Working, Types, Uses, and Examples

A real-time operating system (RTOS) is a specialized operating system designed to handle time-critical
tasks. Learn more about RTOS, its types, uses, and a few examples from this article.

Chiradeep BasuMallick Technical Writer

March 7, 2024

 A real-time operating system (RTOS) is a specialized operating system designed to handle

time-critical tasks with precision and efficiency.
 RTOS and GPOS serve different purposes in computing. While a GPOS is designed to handle a
wide range of tasks for multiple applications, RTOS focuses on real-time responses and
precise timing.
 This article provides an overview of the real-time operating system. It explains the different
types of RTOS, their applications, and popular examples.
Table of Contents
 What Is a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)?
 RTOS vs General Purpose Operating System (GPOS)
 How Does RTOS Work?
 Types of RTOS
 Uses of RTOS
 RTOS Examples
What Is a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)?
A real-time operating system (RTOS) is a specialized operating system designed to handle time-
critical tasks with precision and efficiency. Unlike general purpose operating systems (GPOS), which
prioritize multitasking and user interaction, RTOS focuses on executing actions in real time.
The concept of real-time computing dates back several decades. The first recognized RTOS was the
real-time monitor program that Cambridge University developed in the 1960s. This groundbreaking
system allowed multiple processes to run concurrently within strict timing constraints.
Since then, RTOS has evolved with technological advancements and the growing demand for reliable
real-time performance. With each iteration, these systems have become more robust, efficient, and
feature-rich, catering to a wide range of industries such as aerospace, defense, medical science,
multimedia applications, and more.
RTOS vs. General Purpose Operating System (GPOS)
RTOS and GPOS serve different purposes in computing. While GPOS is designed to handle a wide
range of tasks for multiple applications, RTOS focuses on real-time responses and precise timing.
One key difference between RTOS and GPOS lies in their scheduling algorithms. RTOS prioritizes
time-critical tasks to ensure they are executed within strict deadlines, while GPOS uses preemptive
multitasking to allocate processor time among various processes.
Another distinction is that RTOS offers deterministic behavior, meaning it guarantees predictable
response times. In contrast, GPOS may experience occasional delays due to its focus on optimizing
resource utilization across multiple applications.
What is the purpose of RTOS?
Unlike general-purpose operating systems (GPOS) like Windows or Linux, which prioritize
multitasking and provide flexibility for various applications, RTOS is designed to handle time-sensitive
tasks precisely.
The primary purpose of an RTOS is to execute critical operations timely. It guarantees that certain
processes are completed within strict deadlines, making it ideal for applications where timing is
crucial. It is also useful for multitasking and task-based work.
RTOS enables real-time control over hardware resources like random access memory (RAM) by
providing deterministic behavior and predictable response times. It facilitates efficient use of system
resources while maintaining high reliability and responsiveness. With its ability to manage
concurrent tasks effectively, RTOS ensures smooth operation even under heavy loads and varying
conditions.
See More: How Affordable Supercomputers Fast-Track Data Analytics & AI Modeling
How Does RTOS Work?
In RTOS, tasks are divided into two types: real-time tasks and non-real-time tasks. Real-time tasks
have specified deadlines and must be completed within those deadlines to ensure the proper
functioning of the system. On the other hand, non-real-time tasks do not have strict timing
requirements and can be executed when system resources are available.
Priority-based scheduling is a fundamental mechanism in RTOS that determines the order in which
tasks are executed. Each task is assigned a priority level, and the scheduler ensures that higher-
priority tasks preempt lower-priority tasks when necessary. This allows for the precise execution of
critical tasks without being delayed by less important ones.
Another crucial aspect of RTOS is its efficient interrupt handling. Interrupts are events that occur
asynchronously and require immediate attention. The RTOS must be able to respond to interrupts
promptly to meet the system’s timing requirements. Interrupt service routines (ISRs) are small
sections of code that handle interrupts and are typically executed with higher priorities than regular
tasks.
RTOS employs various mechanisms to minimize task switching latency and interrupt response time to
ensure determinism. These may include optimizing context switching, minimizing interrupt disabling
time, and providing task synchronization and communication mechanisms, such as semaphores,
message queues, and event flags.
To enable this functioning, RTOS consists of several key components:
1. Memory management
In RTOS, memory is divided into different sections, such as the stack, heap, and data segments. The
stack segment is used to store local variables and function call information. It grows downwards in
memory and needs careful management to prevent overflow or underflow errors. On the other
hand, the heap segment dynamically allocates memory for variables or objects during program
execution.
To manage these segments efficiently, RTOS employs various techniques like dynamic allocation
algorithms such as first-fit or best-fit to allocate memory from the heap segment. Additionally,
deallocation mechanisms like garbage collection are used to free up unused memory space.
2. Scheduler
The scheduler decides the order in which tasks or processes are executed. It ensures that tasks with
higher priority levels are given precedence over lower-priority ones.
In RTOS, the scheduler uses different scheduling algorithms to efficiently allocate CPU time and
resources. These algorithms may include preemptive scheduling, where higher-priority tasks can
interrupt lower-priority ones, or non-preemptive scheduling, where a task runs until it completes or
voluntarily yields control.
The scheduler continuously monitors the status of all tasks. It makes decisions on when to start or
stop executing each task based on their priorities and any dependencies they have on other tasks.
3. Symmetric multiprocessing (SMP)
Symmetric multiprocessing refers to the use of multiple processors or cores in a system, where each
processor has equal access to the resources and can perform tasks simultaneously. In SMP, all
processors share the same memory and peripheral devices, allowing them to work together
efficiently. This parallel processing capability enhances the performance and reliability of RTOS by
distributing tasks among different processors.
With SMP, tasks can be assigned to specific processors based on their priority or resource
requirements, ensuring efficient utilization of system resources. Additionally, SMP enables load
balancing by dynamically redistributing tasks among available processors for optimal performance.
4. Function library
The function library consists of pre-written, reusable code modules or functions that perform specific
tasks. These functions are designed to be efficient and optimized for the real-time nature of the
operating system.
In RTOS, the function library provides a wide range of functionality developers can use to build their
applications. These functions include task management, memory management, inter-task
communication, synchronization mechanisms, interrupt handling, and device drivers.
By using these pre-built functions from the library, developers can save time and effort in writing
low-level code from scratch.
Additionally, the function library ensures consistency and reliability across different applications
running on RTOS. It provides standardized interfaces and methods for accessing the operating
system’s various resources and services. This allows developers to focus on implementing
application-specific logic without worrying about underlying OS intricacies.
5. Fast dispatch latency
Dispatch latency refers to the time it takes for the RTOS to switch from one task to another. In RTOS,
minimizing dispatch latency is essential in meeting strict deadlines and ensuring real-time
responsiveness.
The fast dispatch latency of RTOS allows quick context switching between tasks, enabling high-speed
processing and efficient use of system resources. This means that when a higher-priority task is
ready, the RTOS can swiftly suspend the current task and start executing the new one without
significant delays.
RTOS provides deterministic behavior where precise timing guarantees are met by minimizing
dispatch latency.
6. User-defined data objects and classes
These objects and classes allow developers to create custom data structures tailored to the specific
needs of their real-time applications.
With user-defined data objects, developers have the flexibility to define variables with specific data
types, sizes, and properties. This allows for efficient memory management and optimization within
an RTOS environment. Additionally, these objects can be used to represent various entities or
resources, such as tasks, events, or communication channels, in a real-time system.
Classes provide a way to organize related functions and attributes into reusable modules. They
enable the encapsulation of data and methods within an object-oriented programming paradigm.
This promotes code reusability and enhances the modularity and maintainability of RTOS-based
applications.
Types of RTOS
There are three main types of RTOS based on their level of real-time responsiveness:
1. Hard RTOS
Hard real-time systems have strict timing requirements. Tasks must be completed within a
guaranteed time frame to ensure the proper functioning of critical applications. Failure to meet these
deadlines can lead to catastrophic consequences.
To achieve hard real-time capabilities, RTOS uses specialized scheduling algorithms and techniques.
These systems prioritize critical tasks over non-critical ones and employ mechanisms like priority
inversion avoidance and deadline monitoring. This ensures that time-critical operations receive the
necessary resources and are executed without delays or interruptions.
Examples of industries where hard real-time systems are crucial include aerospace, defense,
automotive, and industrial automation. In such applications, milliseconds matter, whether controlling
an aircraft’s flight path or managing a production line in a factory. Hard real-time systems are vital in
ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency in these demanding environments.
2. Firm RTOS
These systems have deadlines that must be met most of the time, but occasional missed deadlines
may be tolerated.
In firm real-time systems, meeting timing constraints is crucial for most tasks, as it directly impacts
system performance and reliability. However, these systems allow limited flexibility in missing some
deadlines without catastrophic consequences.
These types of RTOS find applications in various industries where timely responses are critical but not
enough to cause severe failures or safety hazards if occasionally missed. Some examples include
industrial automation, power plants, traffic control systems, and telecommunications networks.
3. Soft RTOS
Soft real-time systems prioritize responsiveness but with some flexibility in meeting deadlines. These
systems do not have stringent timing requirements and allow occasional delays without
compromising the overall functionality.
In soft real-time systems, tasks or processes have certain time constraints or deadlines to meet, but
missing these deadlines does not cause catastrophic consequences. For example, multimedia
applications like streaming videos or playing music can tolerate small delays without impacting the
user experience significantly.
Soft real-time systems’ flexibility allows them to handle applications that can accommodate
occasional delays without major issues. This makes them suitable for industries such as gaming,
entertainment, and communication networks.
See More: What Is HCI (Human-Computer Interaction)? Meaning, Importance, Examples, and Goals
Uses of RTOS
RTOS has a wide range of applications in various industries:

RTOS Uses
1. Defense systems like RADAR
In military applications, RTOS enables radar detection and tracking with minimal latency, allowing for
quick response to potential threats. Processing large amounts of data in real time is essential for
effective defense strategy implementation.
With RTOS at its core, radar systems can detect incoming objects accurately, track their movements,
and provide critical information to operators instantaneously. This real-time capability ensures that
defense personnel have up-to-date situational awareness, enabling them to make informed decisions
swiftly.
Using RTOS in defense systems like RADAR, countries can enhance their national security by
incorporating advanced technology for rapid data analysis and response time during critical
situations. These systems mitigate risks effectively by promptly providing accurate information—a
vital aspect of safeguarding borders and protecting citizens.
2. Air traffic control system
In an RTOS-based air traffic control system, multiple sensors and radars collect information about
aircraft positions, speeds, altitudes, and flight plans. The RTOS processes this data in real time to
monitor airspace congestion, detect potential conflicts or emergencies, and provide instructions to
pilots.
With the ability to prioritize tasks based on their urgency levels, RTOS helps manage complex
scenarios with thousands of flights simultaneously. Constantly updating aircraft positions and issuing
timely commands like altitude changes or route adjustments ensures safe separation between
planes.
The reliability and responsiveness offered by RTOS-based air traffic control systems contribute
significantly to maintaining high aviation safety worldwide. They enable controllers to efficiently
manage airspace capacity while minimizing passenger delays—a crucial factor in the post-pandemic
world of air travel.
3. Networked multimedia systems
These systems are designed to handle the transmission, storage, and playback of various media
formats, such as audio, video, and images, over computer networks.
In these systems, RTOS processes and delivers data with minimal latency, ensuring smooth playback
and synchronization across multiple devices. This is particularly important for applications like video
conferencing, online streaming platforms, and interactive gaming.
With the increasing demand for high-quality content delivery over networks, RTOS provides efficient
resource management and prioritization algorithms to guarantee uninterrupted streaming
experiences. Moreover, they enable seamless integration with network protocols for reliable data
transfer.
4. Medical science applications like pacemakers
Pacemakers are small devices implanted in the chest that help regulate abnormal heart rhythms by
sending electrical impulses to the heart. RTOS is crucial in controlling these impulses accurately and
with minimal delay.
In an RTOS-based pacemaker, the system constantly monitors the patient’s heart rhythm and makes
real-time decisions about when and how to deliver electrical pulses. The reliability and
responsiveness of the RTOS enable pacemakers to react quickly to changes in heart activity, ensuring
that patients receive appropriate therapy when needed.
Using RTOS, medical professionals can trust that pacemakers will operate reliably and effectively in
real-time scenarios where any delay or error could seriously affect patients’ health. This technology
has revolutionized cardiac care, providing life-saving support for individuals with irregular heart
rhythms.
Whether abnormal heart rhythms or delivering medication at precise intervals, medical science
applications benefit greatly from leveraging real-time operating systems.
5. Share trading apps
These apps often rely on real-time market data feeds that require fast and precise processing. Using
RTOS allows for efficient scheduling and execution of these critical tasks, ensuring they are
completed within the required time constraints.
RTOS can also be beneficial in providing a secure and reliable environment to handle sensitive data.
Trading apps deal with sensitive financial information and require a robust security framework to
protect user data and prevent unauthorized access. RTOS can provide features like memory
protection, task isolation, and secure communication channels, which collectively enhance the
security of the trading app.
Moreover, RTOS can aid in maintaining system stability and availability. Share trading apps need to
have high uptime and handle large volumes of concurrent user requests. RTOS can manage system
resources efficiently, allocate CPU time appropriately, and handle event-driven systems effectively,
ensuring that the app remains responsive even under heavy loads.
Their fault-tolerant capabilities help prevent system crashes and recover from failures, contributing
to the overall stability and reliability of the app. Furthermore, they can enable the integration of
various communication protocols and connectivity options essential for share trading apps.
See more: Compiler vs. Interpreter: 12 Critical Differences To Know
RTOS Examples
Some of the most notable examples of RTOS options available are:
1. Integrity
Integrity by Green Hills Software is a popular real-time operating system known for its reliability and
security features.
One of the key features of Integrity is its separation kernel technology, which ensures that each
application runs in its own protected memory space. This prevents any interference between
applications and enhances system integrity and fault tolerance. Additionally, Integrity offers strong
protection against cyber threats with built-in security mechanisms like memory protection units and
encryption capabilities.
2. embOS
embOS by SEGGER is an RTOS that offers excellent performance and reliability for embedded
systems. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, SEGGER has developed embOS to meet
the demanding requirements of various applications.
This RTOS boasts a tiny memory footprint, making it suitable for resource-constrained devices. It also
provides fast context switching and low interrupt latency, ensuring efficient task management in
time-critical applications.
embOS supports a wide range of microcontrollers and processors, allowing developers to port their
code across different platforms easily. The comprehensive application programming interface
(API) embOS simplifies application development and allows for seamless integration with other
software components.
3. VxWorks
VxWorks by Wind River Systems is one of the most popular RTOS in the market. VxWorks provides
deterministic behavior with real-time capabilities, ensuring precise timing and fast response to
critical events.
It boasts a robust development environment with comprehensive debugging tools and extensive
hardware support. This enables developers to create and debug their applications efficiently while
taking advantage of the system’s full potential.
4. QNX Neutrino by BlackBerry
The QNX Neutrino Real-Time Operating System by BlackBerry is a robust, highly reliable, and scalable
OS designed for embedded systems. Its history dates back to the early 1980s when it was initially
developed by a team of researchers led by Dr. Dan Dodge at the University of Waterloo in Canada.
QNX, the company behind the operating system, was formed in 1980 and gained significant
recognition for its innovative microkernel architecture.
Its ability to handle real-time tasks while maintaining efficient performance has made it popular
among developers operating in safety-critical domains. Its POSIX-compliant API makes it easily
portable and compatible with various hardware architectures.
One of the notable achievements of QNX Neutrino is its use in automotive systems. The operating
system has become a dominant player in the automotive industry due to its ability to manage
complex software stacks required for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment
systems, and autonomous driving platforms.
See More: What Is Raspberry Pi? Models, Features, and Uses
Takeaway
Real-time operating systems (RTOS) play a critical role in various industries that require precise
timing and efficient utilization of system resources. With their ability to prioritize time-critical tasks
and guarantee reliable performance, RTOS has become essential in applications ranging from
aerospace and defense to multimedia and telecommunications.
By employing specialized scheduling algorithms, fast dispatch latency, symmetric multiprocessing
(SMP), and other key components, these systems enable developers to build robust, responsive, and
deterministic applications. As technology advances rapidly, the demand for real-time capabilities will
only increase, making RTOS an integral part of our modern world.