Architecture of a real time operating system

Abstract

Architecture is receiving increasing recognition as a major design factor for operating systems development which contributes to the clarity, and modifiability of the completed system. The MOSS Operating System uses an architecture based on hierarchical levels of system functions overlayed dynamically by asynchronous cooperating processes carrying out the system activities. Since efficient operation in a real time environment requires that the number of processes and process switches be kept to a minimum, the MOSS system uses processes only where a truly asynchronous activity is identified. The layers of the MOSS Operating System do not represent a hierarchical structure of virtual machine processes, but rather a hierarchy of functions used to create the processes. This paper describes the layering concepts and process concepts defining the system architecture. It also presents an overview of the specific functions and processes of the MOSS Operating System.