AWS IoT Stories #02: FreeRTOS

We all use general-purpose-operating systems such as Windows, Linux and macOS in our daily life and for work. However, when it comes to mission-critical systems, we need additional capabilities that we do not need in general-purpose-operating systems, and we begin to hear the names of more different operating systems (VxWorks, Microware, OS-9). We call these operating systems as real-time operating systems (RTOS).

Real-time operating systems (RTOS) are designed to handle time-sensitive operations and ensure that data is processed quickly and accurately. These operating systems are essential for many applications, including industrial control systems, avionics, and medical equipment, where it is crucial that data is processed and acted on in a timely manner. An RTOS allows for the coordination of multiple tasks and ensures that each task is completed within a specific time frame. This allows for the smooth operation of systems that require quick and accurate processing of data. An RTOS ensures real-time applications have a certain capability within a specified time frame. RTOS es are intended for critical systems and timing-sensitive devices such as microcontrollers. The processing time required by an RTOS is measured in milliseconds. Any delay in responding could have disastrous results.
RTOS vs GPOS

Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)	General-Purpose Operating System (GPOS)
Embedded Systems	Servers / Desktops / Workstations
Time-based	Process based
Real Time Processing	Versatile and Wide range of tasks
Small and Lightweight	Complex

Because of the advantages of RTOS systems, the following industries prefers RTOS over GPOS

• Avionics
• Command and Control Systems
• Industrial Automation
• Medical Devices
• Automotive Systems
• Aerospace Systems
• Telecommunication Systems

AWS Free RTOS
Amazon transfer the power of the Cloud computing world to the ICS world through AWS Cloud IoT platform. In this way, some levels in the familiar Purdue Model now work on the Cloud. Of course, the greatest strength of the Cloud world is native applications and integration capabilities. In this context, Cloud vendors who want to offer an end-to-end solution are also trying to get their hands on the RTOS world.

AWS IoT is a cloud platform from Amazon that includes support for RTOS. AWS FreeRTOS is a version of the open-source FreeRTOS real-time operating system that has been optimized to run on AWS, and it can be used to develop IoT applications that run on AWS IoT Core and AWS IoT Greengrass.

AWS FreeRTOS is a version of the open-source FreeRTOS real-time operating system that has been optimized to run on Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS FreeRTOS is designed to support the development of IoT applications that require quick and reliable responses to events.

AWS FreeRTOS includes several key components, including:

• A real-time kernel that provides a multitasking environment for applications.
• A network stack that supports various protocols, including TCP/IP, IPv6, and UDP.
• A file system that allows applications to store and access data on various storage devices, including flash memory, SD cards, and external storage.
• A set of libraries and tools that make it easy to develop and deploy IoT applications on AWS. AWS FreeRTOS is available as a free download from the AWS website, and it can be used to develop IoT applications that run on AWS IoT Core and AWS IoT Greengrass. AWS FreeRTOS is designed to be scalable, reliable, and secure, and it provides a complete real-time operating system that can be used to develop a wide range of IoT applications on AWS.

Some common usage examples for AWS FreeRTOS include:

• Building smart home devices, such as thermostats, security cameras, and lightbulbs that can be controlled and monitored remotely.
• Developing industrial control systems, such as those used in factories and warehouses, to monitor and control machinery and other equipment.
• Creating medical devices, such as insulin pumps and heart rate monitors, that can be remotely monitored and managed by healthcare providers.
• Developing connected transportation systems, such as fleet management and tracking systems for trucks and buses.
• Building agricultural sensors and systems, such as irrigation control and soil moisture monitoring, to improve crop yield and reduce water usage. These are just a few examples of the many possible uses for AWS FreeRTOS. The operating system is designed to be flexible and easy to use, so it can be adapted to a wide range of applications and scenarios.

To install AWS FreeRTOS on a device, you will need to follow the instructions provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). Here are the general steps you will need to take:

1. Download the latest version of AWS FreeRTOS from the AWS website and install it on your development machine.
2. Configure your development environment and toolchain according to the instructions provided by AWS. This will typically involve installing and configuring the necessary software, such as a compiler and debugger, on your machine.
3. Connect your device to your development machine using a suitable interface, such as a USB cable.
4. Use the AWS FreeRTOS software to program your device with the operating system.
5. Once AWS FreeRTOS is installed on your device, you can connect it to the AWS Cloud using the AWS IoT Device SDK. This will allow you to securely communicate with your device and manage it from the cloud.

To integrate AWS FreeRTOS with AWS Cloud services, you will need to use the AWS IoT Device SDK. This is a software development kit that provides libraries and tools for securely connecting devices to the AWS Cloud and managing them from the cloud.

Here are the general steps you will need to take to integrate AWS FreeRTOS with the AWS Cloud using the AWS IoT Device SDK:

1. Install the AWS IoT Device SDK on your device. This will typically involve copying the necessary files and libraries to your device and configuring them according to the instructions provided by AWS.
2. Use the AWS IoT Device SDK to establish a secure connection between your device and the AWS Cloud. This will involve creating an AWS IoT "thing" to represent your device in the cloud, and generating and installing the necessary security certificates and keys on your device.
3. Once your device is connected to the AWS Cloud, you can use the AWS IoT Device SDK to publish and subscribe to MQTT topics, which will allow you to send and receive data between your device and the cloud.
4. You can also use the AWS IoT Device SDK to invoke AWS Lambda functions, which are short-lived, serverless computing functions that can be used to perform a wide range of tasks in the cloud. This will allow you to run complex computations or other processes on the cloud, without having to manage the underlying infrastructure yourself.
5. To manage and monitor your device from the AWS Cloud, you can use the AWS IoT Console, which provides a web-based interface for interacting with your device and other AWS IoT resources. From the console, you can view the status of your device, send and receive data, and perform other management tasks. Again, the exact steps for integrating AWS FreeRTOS with the AWS Cloud will depend on the specific device you are using and the specific AWS services you want to use. You can find detailed instructions and tutorials on the AWS website to help you through the process.