Role of RTOS in Autonomous Vehicles

 What is RTOS?

The term RTOS refers to a real-time operating system. It's utilized in real-time applications to get real-time output without buffering. The scheduler is a module in the operating system that schedules multiple tasks and determines when a process will run on the processor, which is how multitasking is accomplished. The RTOS scheduler is intended to create a consistent execution pattern. The processing time requirements in an RTOS are calculated in tenths of seconds or smaller time increments. Real-Time Operating Systems make use of real-time restrictions such as power consumption and memory utilization. The scheduler's behavior must be predictable in order to meet real-time requirements. A real-time operating system is one that features a scheduler with a predictable execution pattern.

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1) Firm RTOS: This system functions similarly to a Soft RTOS, however failure to meet the deadline may not result in major consequences.

2) Hard RTOS: In Hard RTOS, deadlines are defined, and it is expected to complete the task within the specified time limit; otherwise, catastrophic repercussions may occur. Anti Lock Braking System (ABS) and Air Bag System are two examples.

3) Soft RTOS: In this kind of OS, the system's response time is vital but not critical to the system's operation, i.e. the deadline is important, but the system recognises that deadlines will be missed on occasion.

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Need for RTOS in Autonomous cars

Multiple software activities operating on individual microprocessors within ECUs offer Automotive Electronics capability. When numerous jobs with various timeframes and deadlines are running on the same microprocessor, a real-time operating system is required to determine when each task should run. The problem is to ensure that jobs are completed on time.

The real-time operating system features policies that help fulfil deadlines by scheduling and sharing resources. The second half of the challenge is memory. Because both RAM and Flash memory are expensive in terms of silicon area, it is critical that the operating system's memory footprint be kept as small as possible. This enables the adoption of microprocessor variations with less memory and a lower overall cost. When a minor difference in unit cost is multiplied by millions of units in a production run, the vehicle manufacturer can save a lot of money.

Complexity in the making of Autonomous Vehicles-

It's difficult to create an autonomous vehicle. Building a self-driving automobile operating system is considerably more difficult.

Making automobiles smarter and safer is considerably more difficult than building any of the vehicles on our roads today. The same may be said for autonomous vehicle operating systems. Choosing an automotive operating system is important since it must regulate the vehicle's basic functions while keeping passengers and the driving environment safe.

An autonomous vehicle is a complex and diversified environment in which multiple operating systems can coexist. More than that, they can even run on the same hardware as one another. An ECU controls every component, from the engine to the windshield wipers, as well as every automotive function, from steering to brakes.

All ECUs divided into two categories:

ECUs are in charge of ADAS and controlling automotive functions such as steering, shifting gears, braking, and fuel economy. Various real-time operating systems can control these ECUs (RTOS).

ECUs control A/V entertainment systems and run a variety of applications. These ECUs can be controlled by operating systems that are more akin to those found on personal computers. Not just RTOSs, but also general-purpose operating systems, can be used (GPOS).

 

Operating System Used by Autonomous Vehicle Companies-

Linux-

Linux is a common operating system for self-driving automobiles. Even years ago, the processors in Google's self-driving car, used Linux. There are many different versions of Linux, but Ubuntu and embedded Linux are two of the most used in the automotive industry.

Linux, like the majority of automobile operating systems, isn't a single operating system. Automotive Grade Linux (AGL) is a foundation-based organization that improves the security of its systems and works on telematics solutions and mapping initiatives. Aside from the infotainment stack, where Linux is widely utilized, real-time automobile operating system Linux will make a difference at the most advanced stages of autonomous driving. BMW, GM, VW, Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda, Mercedes, Tesla, Lyft, and Baidu are among the companies that use it. 

Android Auto (Mobile OS)

Google isn't wasting any time in assuming control of autonomous vehicles' entertainment systems. The tech behemoth intends to do so with a more advanced version of Android Auto, which is currently only compatible with Android smartphones. This connected automobile operating system, which is shown on the infotainment screen, allows users to access the Google Play ecosystem and connect to system-level functions via an advanced Google Assistant. The technology may also be customized, which appeals to both OEMs and end users.

Volvo and Audi have struck agreements with Google to use the enhanced version of this vehicle operating system in 2020. They're followed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, which has teamed up with Google to integrate the Android operating system into its future automobiles. 

Apple CarPlay 

It is difficult to call Apple's infotainment system a full-fledged connected car operating system, but the company does have an ace up its sleeve in the form of Titan, a so-called "secret" self-driving project. It's no secret that Apple is working on its own operating system for self-driving automobiles. All we can do now is wait and see how far they'll take the current CarPlay version.

It's used by the following automakers: Apple CarPlay is currently available as a standard or optional function in over 30 different automobiles, including Audi, BMW, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Honda, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz.

Microsoft

When it comes to connected and self-driving activities, Microsoft Windows, the world's most popular operating system for desktops and laptops, lags behind. However, Microsoft has a strategy to work with automakers who require an operating system for their vehicles and to assist them in developing their own autonomous driving capabilities. Microsoft is sure to join the autonomous driving craze with its Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform, which incorporates Azure, Office 365, Cortana, and other cloud-based cognitive services. Renault-Nissan Alliance is one of the companies that uses it.

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Bottomline-

Autonomous vehicles are the need of the future. As the safety of the passengers is also very much important, a very good and efficient integration of the systems is necessary without a single error and hence, the RTOS comes into picture and plays a vital role.