Operating systems
Your automotive applications will run on an OS that in many ways looks like those running on a phone or computer. Various services and thread management will be the same or similar. Differences will exist. These differences are due to many things already discussed in this book, such as power state management, cybersecurity, and functional safety. The processors selected are also a major factor.
The OS kernel architecture is a key factor. There are two main types of kernels: monolithic and microkernel. Linux is a leading monolithic kernel OS and QNX is a leading microkernel OS. A monolithic kernel includes core functionality and services. A microkernel includes a minimal amount of software and provides the ability to layer on services as needed. This modular approach is often preferable for automotive ECUs.
Functional safety ratings may be a factor in which OS is selected. According to an EE Times article, Perspectives on Automotive Operating Systems by Egil...
