Unitron: Loadable Kernel Module for Adding Real-Time Functionality of uITRON to UNIX Kernel

UNIX has been used as an embedded operating system (OS) because there is an increasing demand for highly functional embedded systems, for example, in information appliances. An advantage of using UNIX in an embedded system is that its existing rich software resources such as device drivers, network stacks, and application programs can be used. However, UNIX does not have real-time functionality, which is integral in embedded systems. We propose the Unitron system, a loadable kernel module (LKM) that can add the real-time functionality of uITRON to the UNIX kernel. By using LKM, the Unitron system can allow a developer to dynamically add and remove the real-time functionality from a running UNIX kernel.