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  • Author Author: sftwrngnr
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RTOS for embedded processors

sftwrngnr

While doing my due diligence for this project, I've looked into several different real-time o/s' for the embedded devices.  Plausibly, one might say that an entire O/S is overkill for this solution, but the fact is, I don't have a great amount of time to devote to debugging all of the software components required for an entire software ecosystem to handle interrupts, radio control, tcp/ip stack, etc.  I suppose I could go for a total minimalist approach and roll my own vis-a-vis utilizing a collection of libraries and a small state machine, but I'd like to avoid re-inventing the wheel if at all possible.  Doing a little bit of digging, and I found Free RTOS(http://www.freertos.org), which seems to be perfectly suited for the application at hand, especially since its already ported for the ARM Cortex processor.  I'll be downloading it in the coming weeks (had planned on doing it this weekend, but my "day job" takes precedence) to have a look at the code to see what I'm dealing with.  It appears that they have a free tcp/ip stack available, so this may be a workable solution. uCLinux is way too heavyweight in my opinion, for this project.

 

I definitely like the idea of having a true RTOS running on the device, so that time sensitive activities such as checking the nutrient Ph/TDS, temperature and humidity monitoring, etc. can be easily accomplished with a small amount of code that ultimately hooks into a very simple REST API.

  • in reply to DAB

    Agreed DAB. I have intentions of eventually working on an RTOS project. Even if it's just getting one installed and running on some embedded plarform.

  • in reply to RWReynolds

    True,

     

    If you have never worked with an RTOS, then you should use it on a project just to get familiar with the terminology and to explore its functionality.

     

    DAB

  • in reply to sftwrngnr

    Hey John,

     

    I hope some of the info i posted proves of some use.

     

    Sounds like you have it under control. Using an Arduino as a hardware test bed sounds like a smart move. It'll be a major pain if we brick one of the EV32s.

     

    Let us know how the RTOS works out.

     

    Rick

  • in reply to RWReynolds

    OK, I gotta know... what in the name of corn on the cob are ya using a RPI AND the SiLabs ArmCortex based system for? I'll admit... I'm curious... I've got embedded processor foo envy goin'  on here (LOL). Seriously though, I can't wait to see your project!

  • in reply to RWReynolds

    Rick and DAB,

    Thank you both for your feedback.  I too have developed embedded systems without a full RTOS, and honestly it probably really is overkill for this situation.  I mean think about it: all we are really doing here, is checking a few levels, making sure that plants get water, light and nutrients, measuring temperature, light and humidity and logging the data... and lots of sleeping. A full blown RTOS is overkill.  My thought was more along the lines of  "hey, an existing RTOS that largely supports ~this~ ecosystem may go a long way in getting the bulk of the system done without spending tons of time on it.  I'm going to look at FreeRTOS and some of the other solutions that were mentioned.  I'm particularly interested in ensuring that the embedded device will actually be able to be put into its deep sleep mode so that the actual power consumption is as minimal as possible.  The way I look at it, is if things are done right, the bulk of the measurements should be done periodically en masse, stored and then periodically transmitted up stream via the radio.  If none of the solutions are going to support the kind of deep sleep that I really want, I'll just write code directly for the device and call it a day.

     

    Again, right now I'm just kind of  exploring options and thinking out loud.  Getting feedback from the community is definitely much appreciated!  I am planning on only using the embedded device that comes in the kit.  I will say that I'm planning on using an Arduino to test some of my home brew sensors just to make sure I don't burn up the more expensive hardware, but other than that, my current plan is to just go with what I'm given in the kit.