ARM operating system

Keil Software has announced the advanced real-time operating system for ARM (ARTX-ARM), a flexible real-time operating system with TCP/IP networking and flash file system support for ARM-based controllers.

It solves common challenges for embedded programmers such as: multitasking, real-time control and task communication; internet connection via ethernet or modem; complete embedded web server with CGI scripting; automated email notifications via SMTP.

It contains two major libraries: the advanced real-time kernel is a memory-efficient real-time operating system; the TCP/IP protocol suite provides ethernet and modem connectivity for internet-enabled applications.

The kernel allows embedded applications to manage several jobs or tasks on a single CPU. It also provides functions for time management (for timeout or delay), semaphore management (for resource sharing), event management (for task synchronisation), and mailbox management (for task inter-communication).

A flash file system allows saving files in flash or ROM (RAM support is currently in development). These are useful in systems that require large amounts of data storage or for systems with internet interfaces (HTTP or FTP).

The protocol suite is a ground-up TCP/IP stack implemented specifically for embedded applications. It includes TCP and UDP sockets, PPP and SLIP interfaces, DNS, Telnet, TFTP, SMTP and an embedded webserver with CGI and password protection.

The stack works with ethernet or serial (modem) interfaces. Preconfigured examples are provided for several standard evaluation boards.