An improved method of task context switching in OSEK operating system

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the method to improve real‐time property of real‐time operating system (RTOS), one of the most essential problems in RTOS studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Improved task models are proposed based on the basic task and extended task models of OSEK operating system (OSEK OS). According to different task states, optimized scheduling algorithm was put forward. Some examples in a practical environment are described that illustrate the value of the method.

Findings

This method has been successfully implemented and evaluated in an OSEK compatible operating system, SmartOSEK OS. The time cost of context switching is decreased and the efficiency is enhanced.

Research limitations/implications

The improvement gained depends on the ratio of each strategy applied. In case the strategy D is applied too many times, the performance will be lead to a depressing result. For real‐time system, a long‐lived process that maybe increase the ratio of strategy D is not the optimal selection.

Originality/value

Dividing the ready state of task into intermediate state and initial state, can optimize the process of task context switching for OSEK OS. The method has proven to be useful in improving the real‐time property of RTOS.

Citation

Wu, Z., Li, H., Yang, G., Gao, Z. and Lv, P. (2010), "An improved method of task context switching in OSEK operating system", International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, Vol. 6 No. 2, pp. 179-191. https://doi.org/10.1108/17427371011066400