Long-term data monitoring to optimize embedded Linux systems and their real-time performance

Not too long ago even in the Open Source community there was a debate going on whether a general purpose kernel such as Linux could be converted into a real-time kernel. Meanwhile it has become clear and is generally accepted, that this is, in fact, possible and that such an adapted Linux kernel is suitable in a wide variety of industrial real-time applications. To convert the Linux kernel into a real-time kernel was, among others, an important rationale when founding OSADL. After OSADL has provided the requested initial funding in 2016, the Linux Foundation has been taking care of coordinating the real-time development and raising funds for it (Linux Foundation RTL Project). Recently, an important milestone was reached when the previously separate real-time extension has been merged completely into the mainline Linux kernel. OSADL will remain comitted to this project and will continue to contribute to it as a project member representing the automation industry in the consortium.

In order to evaluate and demonstrate the technical suitability of the Linux real-time kernel with respect to the requirements of the automation industry, OSADL has established a test center for embedded systems - the so-called "OSADL QA Farm". More than 200 systems undergo here continuous 24/7 measurements under various stress scenarios, the results of which are inmediately available for the general public. An important part of these measurements is the determination of the real-time capability of the systems and their runtime stability. This helps companies select a particular embedded system that is best suitable for a given purpose and kernel developers to improve the software.

This monitoring and testing facility is included in the OSADL member services, but also non-members are welcome to book a "farm" space for their embedded systems.

For more information on how to optimize Linux real-time and to assess the performance of Linux-based embedded systems, you may directly contact Jan Altenberg, Alexander Bähr or Carsten Emde.

More information: https://www.osadl.org/QA