embOS-Classic-MPU & embOS-Ultra-MPU
The RTOSs with comprehensive memory protection
SEGGER's tried-and-tested real-time operating systems embOS-Classic and embOS-Ultra are also available with memory protection. Essential for embedded-system stability, safety, and security, memory protection ensures that bugs in a task do not corrupt an entire system. It also enhances fault tolerance and enables safer execution of critical functions.
Key features
Memory-protection technology uses a processor's memory protection unit (MPU) to isolate individual tasks from both one another and the operating system. Errors in a task are prevented from affecting an entire system, ensuring that safety-critical functions are executed reliably. As a result, embedded systems are more stable, as unprivileged tasks have only controlled access to memory, peripherals, and operating-system objects.
Memory protection
embOS-MPU ensures that unprivileged tasks operate within strictly defined boundaries for memory and resources, preventing these tasks from affecting other tasks or an operating system. All tasks are fully sandboxed.
High reliability
Through the strict separation of privileged and unprivileged tasks, a system remains stable even in the event of failure. Critical functions can continue running independently.
Impressive flexibility
Unprivileged tasks can be granted controlled access to memory regions, peripherals, and RTOS objects. This allows developers to define permissions precisely, ensuring both security and efficient resource utilization.
Use cases
From battery-powered single-chip products to systems that demand ultra-fast responses, flexibility, and the ability to schedule multiple tasks, embOS-MPU provides a robust foundation for system security and efficiency. The range of potential application areas is diverse, and includes medical equipment, automation, avionics, and any other application area where safety is critical.
Reliability in safety-critical systems
In safety-critical systems, such as those found in medical devices, automotive control units, and industrial automation, reliability is paramount. embOS-MPU enhances system integrity, ensuring that faults in one task do not compromise an entire system. This guarantees continued operation even in the presence of software errors.
Data integrity in embedded applications
For IoT and connected devices, security is a top priority. embOS-MPU enforces strict memory access rules, protecting sensitive data and preventing unauthorized code execution. The result? Significantly reduced risk of a security breach.
Stability in consumer electronics
For consumer electronics, such as smart home devices, wearables, and infotainment systems, embOS-MPU enhances reliability by preventing faults in one task from affecting an entire system. This ensures smooth and uninterrupted device operation, even if individual tasks encounter issues.
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How embOS-MPU works
Memory protection is a mechanism for controlling memory-access rights. It is part of most modern processor architectures and operating systems, and it prevents possible bugs or even malware contained in a task from affecting an entire system. For memory protection to work, certain application tasks must be restricted from accessing key system components like memory, special function registers, and the operating system's control structures, which could affect other tasks or the operating system itself.
To enhance security, embOS-MPU applications consist of two parts: a privileged section, responsible for system initialization and driver management, and an unprivileged section, responsible for the main application. This division of labor minimizes the need for extensive verification. If an unprivileged task violates access restrictions or triggers a fault, embOS-MPU detects the violation; automatically terminates it; and, if needed, executes a callback function to handle the event.
Memory-protection technology is available for embOS-Classic and embOS-Ultra.
embOS-Classic-MPU
embOS-Classic enhanced with embOS-MPU technology combines proven real-time performance with robust memory protection. MPU technology allows embOS-Classic to maintain its efficient, priority-based task scheduling while also offering an extra layer of safety.
For detailed information, please visit the embOS-Classic documentation.
embOS-Ultra-MPU
embOS-Ultra with embOS-MPU technology delivers high-precision real-time performance, while memory-protection technology ensures system stability and safety. Furthermore, Cycle-Resolution Timing enables precise task execution with minimal latency.
More information is available in embOS-Ultra's documentation.
Note: Where functional-safety certification is required, SEGGER offers embOS-Safe.
Supported cores and compilers
embOS-MPU is available for the core and compiler combinations listed in the complete overview of embOS ports. This list is regularly updated. If a core or compiler is not in the list, SEGGER will port embOS-MPU to the target required. Have a question for a SEGGER Embedded Expert? Please contact us.
embOS-MPU packages
embOS-MPU technology is available for embOS-Classic and embOS-Ultra. Both options can be delivered as an object-code or source-code package. The source-code package expands on the object-code package by including embOS source code. Using embOS source code enables the use of application-specific compiler options. Compile-time switches allow users to customize embOS by enabling only required functionalities. Adding embOS source code to a project provides additional insight when debugging at source level.
All embOS packages include the same ready-to-use board support packages for various devices and evaluation boards.
| Features | Object code | Source code | |
|---|---|---|---|
| embOS object code library | |||
| embOS source code library | |||
| embOSView – Profiling PC tool | |||
| embOS manual | |||
| CPU- and compiler-specific manual | |||
| Release notes | |||
| embOS IDE plugins | |||
| SystemView instrumentation | |||
| Device support | |||
| Board support packages | |||
| Updates and technical support | |||
| Feature and maintenance updates | |||
| Technical support | |||
Supported Not supported
Licensing
embOS-Classic-MPU and embOS-Ultra-MPU are available under various embedded software license models. All user-created hardware components are royalty free, and there are no additional fees or limits on production volume. Every license model includes a 6-month support-and-update agreement, and there is also an option to extend both support and updates for an additional 12 months. To purchase a license, please contact us.
*Applies to a second seat/product and all additional seats/products of the Single Product License and Single Developer License.
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