A lightweight open-source operating system, RTOS was developed by the Linux Foundation specifically for low-resource devices. In particular, it is intended for IoT devices that run real-time applications that follow strict timing. It is one of the best options for establishing a platform for an IoT ecosystem given its light architecture, scalability, cloud integration, and especially its safety and security features.

In 2020, Zephyr RTOS made tech headlines as Facebook and Google decided to use this operating system for their next-gen products. The companies pointed out the security of Zephyr RTOS, its open-source nature, as well as its solid community of experts as some of the most important reasons for choosing this OS.

Zephyr RTOS inevitably plays an important role as IoT and real-time computing emerge as transformative technologies set to have a presence in various aspects of modern life. These may not necessarily become well-known technologies, but their presence is in important processes of various tech-supported activities.

Zephyr RTOS and real-time applications

Simply put, Zephyr RTOS is critical as the demand for real-time applications grows because it is one of the best operating systems for IoT and embedded systems that run real-time apps. Various industries including healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing are moving towards “smart” operations that entail the collection and real-time processing of huge amounts of data to support critical functions. Zephyr RTOS provides a dependable open-source operating system to be used in various devices, from microcontrollers to workstations and servers.

Many industries now rely on automation, remote monitoring, and preventive maintenance routines, which necessitate the gathering of vast amounts of data and real-time analytics. Centralizing data gathering and processing is impractical nowadays, especially for multi-segment and multi-location operations. Almost all organizations are leaning towards decentralization and democratization.

Fast-paced business environments pave the way for the rise of decentralized structures. Centralization is not compatible with the need for rapid decision-making and dynamic operations. It is a hurdle against competitiveness. It is a demonstration of why real-time applications that operate decentrally are preferred compared to overseeing businesses through centralized servers.

Addressing the growing need for real-time applications

The operating system serves as the link between hardware and software components, which are all vital in an IoT ecosystem and the operation of real-time applications. It is responsible for resource management. It has a significant role in task scheduling and communication between apps and hardware. When it comes to real-time applications in an IoT ecosystem, the operating system determines how efficient the processes, communication, and data transmissions will be.

As such, the operation of real-time apps in IoT cannot be handled by just any kind of operating system. It has to be relegated to an OS that is designed for real-time applications, an OS that emphasizes the importance of timing constraints or the need to complete tasks with accuracy and predictability. 

Also, a real-time OS is built to work deterministically and ensure that there are stringent rules in place for task scheduling and the handling of interruptions. It is designed to reduce latency to as low as possible while ensuring that critical tasks are executed promptly, especially when it comes to sensitive applications like the operation of self-driving cars, factory automation, and the proper functioning of medical devices.

Zephyr RTOS, in particular, provides a real-time OS with the following advantages:

• Open-source – It is not essential for an RTOS to be open-source, but when it comes to building an IoT ecosystem, it is preferable to utilize open-source components to ensure ease of access, transparency, and the ability to introduce modifications whenever necessary.
• Light architecture and notable efficiency – IoT devices are typically resource-limited, so it only makes sense to use an operating system that makes the most efficient use of available resources. It has to be lightweight without compromising on its functions and features.
• Scalable – IoT ecosystems continue to expand as operations and organizations grow. However, there are also cases when the number of devices has to be scaled down. Scalability is hence a crucial factor in choosing an operating system for the devices involved. The inability to address changing needs is a major handicap.
• Extensive configurability – Real-time applications are used in different scenarios and setups, so an RTOS needs to be highly configurable or customizable. 

These advantages contribute to how Zephyr RTOS figures in meeting the growing demand for real-time apps in IoT. Its open-source nature, for one, helps promote collaboration and innovation. It draws in developers and contributors to help build more useful features and functions while collaboratively addressing the issues encountered along the way. Additionally, being open-source also eliminates the cost barrier, which is a major hurdle in growing IoT ecosystems and developing real-time applications.

On the other hand, the lightweight and scalable design ensures robust support for an extensive range of devices. Hardware limitations are among the biggest reasons why certain devices are not compatible with some software, OSes, and apps in particular. Zephyr RTOS allows more devices to be part of the expanding real-time IoT ecosystem and serve needs in different scenarios by providing a full-fledged, functional, and efficient OS that can be easily configured and scaled depending on specific needs.

A boon to real-time app development

Ric Wheeler, Former Engineering Manager at Meta (Facebook), expressed optimism over the selection of Zephyr RTOS to be part of future Meta products, noting that it “shows great promise in accelerating the pace of RTOS innovation.”

Zephyr is useful in advancing and expanding real-time applications as it provides a reliable foundation on which developers can build reliable and responsive systems. This OS is also notable for delivering low-latency communication, which is crucial for meaningful real-time application operation in the real world. Zephyr’s functions allow developers to create apps or software for IoT devices that can meet strict timing needs and the desired responsiveness.

Zephyr is already used in various products in different industries. It is used in animal trackers, disaster detection and prediction systems, children’s car seats, motion sensors, smart circuit breakers, and other smart home devices, hearing aids, and logistics and production accessories. In industrial IoT systems, Zephyr is utilized as a part of edge computing platforms to achieve real-time data collection and processing and boost operational efficiency and overall system performance.

Undeniably helpful in advancing the development and deployment of real-time applications, Zephyr RTOS allows more devices to be used in real-time data processing. It does not only power single-purpose low-resource connected devices but allows them to run real-time apps and be part of real-time operations to improve operations in different industries.