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{{Short description|Real-time operating system}}
{{Infobox OS
{{Infobox OS
| name = Nucleus OS
| name = Nucleus RTOS
| logo =
| logo =
| screenshot =
| screenshot =
| caption =
| caption =
| developer = [[Mentor Graphics]]
| developer = [[Mentor Graphics]] Corp., a [[Siemens]] Business
| programmed in = [[C (programming language)|C]]
| source_model = [[Closed source]]
| family = [[POSIX]], [[TRON project|TRON]]
| kernel_type = [[Real-time computing|Real-time kernel]]
| working state = Current
| supported_platforms = ?
| source model = [[Closed source]]
| ui = ?
| released = {{Start date and age|1993}}
| family = [[Real-time operating system]]s
| latest release version = 3.x, 2017.02
| latest_release_version = ?
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2017|05|15}}
| latest_release_date = ?
| marketing_target = [[Embedded system]]s
| marketing target = [[Embedded system]]s, [[Internet of things|IoT]]
| language = English
| programmed_in = ?
| supported platforms = [[ARM architecture|ARM]], [[NXP]], [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]], [[Texas Instruments|TI]], [[PowerPC]], Altera [[Nios II]], [[Xilinx]] [[MicroBlaze]], [[Renesas Electronics|Renesas]] [[SuperH]], [[Infineon]], [[Atmel AT91SAM]], [[RISC-V]], others<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mentor.com/products/embedded_software/cpu/ |title=Nucleus OS Supported Processors |website=www.mentor.com}}</ref>
| prog_language = ?
| kernel type = [[Real-time operating system|Real-time]] [[Monolithic kernel|monolithic]] with hybrid support
| language = ?
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]]
| updatemodel =
| website = {{URL|www.plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/products/embedded/nucleus-rtos.html|Nucleus website}}
| package_manager =
| working_state = Current
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]]
| website = [http://www.mentor.com/products/embedded_software/nucleus_rtos/index.cfm Nucleus OS]
}}
}}
'''Nucleus RTOS''' is a [[real-time operating system]] (RTOS) produced by the Embedded Software Division of [[Mentor Graphics]], a [[Siemens]] Business, supporting [[32-bit computing|32-]] and [[64-bit computing|64-bit]] [[embedded system]] platforms. The [[operating system]] (OS) is designed for [[Real-time computing|real-time]] [[embedded system]]s for medical, industrial, consumer, aerospace, and [[Internet of things]] (IoT) uses. Nucleus was released first in 1993. The latest version is 3.x, and includes features such as [[power management]], process model, 64-bit support, safety certification, and support for [[heterogeneous computing]] multi-core [[system on a chip]] (SOCs) processors.
'''Nucleus OS''' is a [[real-time operating system]] (RTOS) and full-featured toolset created by the [[Embedded system|Embedded Systems]] Division of [[Mentor Graphics]] for various CPU platforms. Nucleus OS is part of a complete embedded solution with a full complement of embedded middleware available.


Nucleus process model adds space domain partitioning for task and module isolation on SOCs with either a [[memory management unit]] (MMU) or [[memory protection unit]] (MPU), such as those based on ARMv7/8 Cortex-A/R/M cores.
Development is typically done on a "host" machine running Windows or Linux. Target applications can be compiled to run on various "target" [[CPU]] architectures and tested using the actual target boards, simulators or via the "host" using EDGE SimTest.


== Supported platforms ==
Nucleus OS is designed for embedded applications including consumer electronics, [[set-top box]]es, [[cellular phone]]s, and other portable and handheld devices. For limited memory systems Nucleus OS can be scaled to a footprint as small as 13 KB for both code and data.


Nucleus supports many embedded processors including leading [[ARMv7]] Cortex A, R, and M devices. Recent releases support [[ARMv8]] 64-bit devices. The official website has a full list of supported devices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mentor.com/embedded-software/nucleus/processor-support|title=Nucleus RTOS Supported Processors|website=www.mentor.com|language=en|access-date=2017-08-22}}</ref> It includes 32-bit MCUs and MPUs, configurable devices, and 32-bit and 64-bit [[multi-core processor]]s.
The small footprint is a key reason for using Nucleus.
==Components==
===Kernel===
* Real time kernel
* [[C++]] and [[POSIX]] interfaces
* Dynamic download
* Interprocessor communications
* Closed Source (however, the source code is available to customers, making it easier to debug than a closed operating system)
* Flexible business model


== History ==
===Connectivity===
Nucleus 1.x was released first in 1993 by Accelerated Technology (ATI) as Nucleus PLUS. It soon became one of the most commonly used RTOSs in the embedded market. Following its early success there, ATI added support for [[Computer network|networking]], [[Computer graphics|graphics]], and [[file system]]s, which accelerated adoption.
* [[USB 2.0]] Host, Function and On-The-Go (OTG) stacks
* Class drivers
* Multimedia transfer ([[Media Transfer Protocol|MTP]] and [[PictBridge]])
* [[Peripheral Component Interconnect|PCI]] and [[PCI-X]]
* [[Controller Area Network|CAN]] and [[CANopen]]


Mentor Graphics [[Takeover|acquired]] ATI in March 2002, which was soon followed by the second generation of Nucleus RTOS. Version 2.x was released in 2003, improving its portability across different architectures and tool sets. New components like [[IPv6]], [[Flash memory]] file system and Universal Serial Bus ([[USB]]) 2.0 were added. Mentor replaced the legacy Codelab debugger with EDGE development tools which included [[compiler]] tools, [[debugger]], simulator, and [[Profiling (computer programming)|profiler]].
===Networking===
Over 60 network drivers and protocols including [[Internet protocol suite|TCP/IP stack]], [[IPv6]] and [[IEEE 802.11]] wireless


Mentor Graphics introduced the 3rd generation Nucleus in 2010. Version 3.x was intended for both high-end [[microprocessor]] units (MPUs), [[microcontroller]] units (MCUs), [[digital signal processor]]s (DSPs), and [[field-programmable gate array]]s (FPGAs). For devices with limited memory resources, Nucleus was designed to scale down to a memory size of <10 [[kilobyte]]s (KBs) for both code and data.
===File System===
* [[File Allocation Table|FAT]]
* [[ISO 9660]] [[CD-ROM]]
* [[Virtual file system]] [[Application programming interface|API]]


Nucleus 3.x introduced support for [[symmetric multiprocessing]] (SMP) and [[asymmetric multiprocessing]] (AMP) both unsupervised uAMP and supervised sAMP (using Mentor Embedded [[Hypervisor]]). Other additions in Nucleus 3.x:
===Graphics===
* Integrated power management support for [[Kernel (operating system)|kernel]] and [[middleware]] components; includes support for DVFS, tick suppression, and sleep modes including [[Hibernation (computing)|hibernation]].
* Low-level rendering
* Process model for memory partitioning to support dynamic loading and unloading of application modules. Loadable processes are supported on both high end MPUs and low end MCUs with or without hardware memory management support.
* Full windowing system
* Wireless support
* Multi-media GUI control framework
* IoT protocols
* Safety certification for aerospace, medical, industrial and automotive
* Support for ARM [[TrustZone]]
* Mentor embedded multi-core framework for IPC and processor life cycle management for AMP designs (both supervised sAMP and unsupervised uAMP)
* [[Runtime (program lifecycle phase)|Runtime]] tracing support with host side analysis tools


In addition to the new features in version 3.x, Nucleus moved [[business model]] from ''a la carte'', to one unified package.
===Security===
Encryption, hash and signature algorithms, key exchange protocols


Mentor acquired CodeSourcery in Dec 2010 to replace the EDGE development tools with the Sourcery [https://www.mentor.com/embedded-software/sourcery-tools/sourcery-codebench/overview CodeBench]. Sourcery CodeBench comprises a compiler tool-chain, debugger, and trace analysis tools. The compiler tool-chain is based on GNU tool-chain. The debugger and [[integrated development environment]] (IDE) are based on [[Eclipse (software)|Eclipse]]. Sourcery CodeBench supports ARM, [[IA-32]], MIPS, and PPC architectures with built-in workflows and OS awareness for Nucleus RTOS and Mentor Embedded Linux.
==Products using Nucleus OS==
{{refimprove|date=November 2007}}
[[Mentor Graphics]] has provided software to over 1,000 companies worldwide. The devices featured are a small sample of consumer and industrial companies developing applications with Nucleus products.


Nucleus 3.x introduced a unified build and configuration system with which the Kernel is configured through a single file and builds as a single library. Like [[menuconfig]] in Linux, a [[user interface]] (UI) based configuration tool integrated with CodeBench provides the user with graphically selectable components to customize the kernel at build time. The Nucleus configuration system allows for user customization to integrate new tool-chains, architecture support and build properties.
* Nucleus OS used by [[Honeywell]] for Critical Terrain Awareness Technology in the Aviation Industry.
* IVL Technologies' On-Key Karaoke [[Handheld]] Player Sings along with the Nucleus PLUS Kernel.<ref>[http://www.ivl.com/ IVL Technologies]</ref>
* [[Logitech]] uses Nucleus OS in its ''Pocket Video'' Portable Digital Video Cameras.
* Nucleus OS Selected By [[SK Telecom]] To Introduce the World's First Commercialization of [[CDMA]] Technology To Korea.
* Nucleus used in [[NEC]] America's Award-Winning 535M High Definition [[Mobile phone|Mobile]] [[Handset]]
* ASC's RBOX Multi-Service Aggregator Family uses Nucleus PLUS.<ref>[http://www.nsgdata.com/asc/index.html/ ASC]</ref>
* [[Texas Instruments]] makes use of Nucleus on some of its embedded devices
** The [[TI-Nspire]] handheld calculators use Nucleus as the basis of their [[operating system]]<ref>http://www.ticalc.org/archives/news/articles/14/142/142696.html</ref>
* Telephonics is using Nucleus in the SDI System for the USAF C-130 Avionics Modernization Program and the Aviation Communication System for the 767 Tanker Program.<ref>[http://www.telephonics.com/ Telephonics]</ref>
* [[Garmin International]] to develop the CNX80 navigational global positioning system ([[GPS]]) for general aviation.
* A large number of Motorola, Samsung, LG, Siemens/Benq, Sagem and NEC mobile phones.
* Intellon Home Plug AV
* Crestron Electronics on their control system processors.<ref>[http://www.crestron.com www.crestron.com]</ref>
* BSS Audio in their Soundweb London range.<ref>[http://www.soundweb-london.com www.soundweb-london.com]</ref>
* Later versions of the [[Creative ZEN]] product line.
* The [[Infineon]] S-Gold2 baseband chip used in [[Apple Inc.|Apple's]] [[iPhone]]
* The Metrotech i5000 [[Utility_location|Utility Locating]] Receiver.
* The Creative Zen Vision line uses Nucleos as their operating system


==Major components==
==Competitive operating systems==
Nucleus RTOS components include:
<!-- This ranking should be moved to the article [[Real-time operating system]]. -->
# [[Kernel (operating system)|Kernel]]
Similar real-time operating systems are available from other vendors. These are linked by their popularity according to the 2007 Embedded Systems Market Study by Embedded Systems Design magazine.
# Services
# Connectivity
# [[File system]]
# [[Computer network|Networking]]
# IoT Framework
# [[Wireless]]
# Security
# UI & graphics


=== Kernel ===
* [[VxWorks]]
* Real-time kernel with priority based pre-emptive scheduling
* [[Windows CE]]
* Support for dynamic linking using loadable modules
* [[Red Hat Linux|IX Linux]]
* Interfaces for [[C++]], ''Portable Operating System Interface'' ([[POSIX]]), and ''The Real-time Operating system Nucleus'' ([[TRON project|TRON]]) [[ITRON project|microITRON]]
* [[DSP/BIOS]]
* SMP/AMP, supervised and unsupervised
* [[MicroC/OS-II|uC/OS-II]]
* SMP support and runtime control for bound computation domain and affinities to processor cores for tasks and interrupts
* [[MontaVista Linux|MV Linux]]
* Support for 64-bit architectures
* [[Keil RTX]]
* Scalable to fit memory constrained devices
* [[Integrity (operating system)|Integrity]]
* Built-in power management framework
* [[ECos]]
* [[Source code]] for all components
* [[QNX]]

* [[LynxOS]]
=== Services ===
* [[pSOS]]
* Run-level initialization and registry
* [[Threadx|ThreadX]]
* POSIX: kernel, networking, and file system
* [[Operating System Embedded|OSE]]
* Shell and tracing
* [[TRON Project|TRON]]
* Debug agent
* [[Segger Microcontroller Systems|embOS]]
* C++
* [[uClinux]]
* Power management services

=== Connectivity ===
Nucleus supports the ability to connect to other devices through various interfaces including:
* [[USB]] 2.0 and 3.0
* USB Host, Function, and [[USB On-The-Go|On-The-Go]] (OTG) stacks
* [[Bluetooth]] with many advanced profiles enabled ([[A2DP]], [[AVRCP]], [[Bluetooth profile#Hands-Free Profile .28HFP.29|HFP]], [[Bluetooth profile#Headset Profile .28HSP.29|HSP]], etc.)
* [[Peripheral Component Interconnect]] (PCI), [[PCI-X]] and PCIe
* [[Controller Area Network]] (CAN) and [[CANopen]]
* [[Secure Digital]] (SDIO)
* SPI, QSPI
* Inter-Integrated Circuit ([[I²C]])

=== File system ===
Unlike Windows and Unix-like operating systems, Nucleus does not need a [[file system]] to work. However, for complex uses needing local storage, Nucleus supports several file systems including FAT, SAFE (fault tolerant), and LWEXT.

==== Multiple simultaneous file systems ====
* File Allocation Table ([[File Allocation Table|FAT]])
* SAFE (high reliability power fail safe)
* LWEXT
* Install-able third-party file systems

==== Multiple media support ====
* CD-ROM
* Hard drive
* RAM disk
* NOR and NAND flash
* USB drive
* SD MMC
Nucleus provides support for different file systems and storage media through a virtual file system [[application programming interface]] (API) that allows access to the supported file systems and storage devices using the same functions calls regardless of the underlying storage format.

=== Networking ===
The Nucleus networking stack is a dual IPv4 and IPv6 stack that supports over 60 networking protocols. Nucleus networking stack supports POSIX and provides an easy to use socket based application interface. A brief list of the supported protocols include:
* [[Internet protocol suite]] (UDP, TCP/IP)
* [[Internet Control Message Protocol]] (ICMP), [[Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol]] (DHCP), [[network address translation]] (NAT)
* [[Point-to-Point Protocol]] (PPP) and [[Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet]] (PPPoE)
* [[File Transfer Protocol]] (FTP), [[Telnet]], [[Secure Shell]] (SSH)
* [[Simple Network Management Protocol]] (SNMP), [[Network Time Protocol]] (NTP)
* [[Hypertext Transfer Protocol]] (HTTP) and [[HTTPS]]
* [[JSON]]-[[XML]], [[WebSocket]]s

=== Security ===
Nucleus supports a wide variety of encryption options for secure communications to protect data at rest or in transit. Nucleus ships with OpenSSL and an OpenSSL-like package [[wolfSSL]] (formerly CyaSSL) that is far smaller than OpenSSL for designs needing encryption but limited in memory capacity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wolfssl.com/docs/wolfssl-manual/ch5/|title=wolfSSL User Manual – Chapter 5: Portability – Documentation|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-14}}</ref> Security protocols to protect data in transit include IPsec/IKE, SSH/SSL/TLS/DTLS. Encryption includes DES, 3DES, AES, SHA-256. [[Public-key cryptography]] algorithms include RSA. Support includes X.509, RADIUS, and 802.1X.

=== Wireless ===
Several [[Wi-Fi]] modules from different chip-makers like QCA, Broadcom, TI, and CSR are supported:
* [[IEEE 802.11]] a/b/g/n
* [[IEEE 802.15.4]]
* Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE

=== UI graphics ===
Nucleus 3.x supports [[OpenGL]] and leading 3rd party UI libraries. Nucleus supports the [[Qt (software)|Qt]] UI framework which has been optimized for code size and integrated into CodeBench for debugging and tracing. Other UIs supported include [[Embedded Wizard]] and [[Socionext CGI Studio]].

=== IoT ===
Recent releases of Nucleus include support for HTTPS, [[Constrained Application Protocol]] (CoAP), [[MQTT]] and [[6LoWPAN]].

Nucleus has also announced support for Microsoft Azure cloud computing framework.

=== Industrial ===
Nucleus has been integrated with 3rd party industrial stacks from industry leaders. Industrial stack support includes [[OPC Unified Architecture]] (OPC UA) host and client and [[EtherNet/IP]] from [https://industrial.softing.com/en/products/software.html Softing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822133733/https://industrial.softing.com/en/products/software.html |date=2017-08-22 }} and [[EtherCAT]] from [https://koenig-pa.de/ KoenigPa].

=== Multi-core ===
Nucleus supports [[asymmetric multiprocessing]] (AMP) mode and [[symmetric multiprocessing]] (SMP) mode for leading 32 and 64-bit heterogeneous multi-core SoCs. Nucleus is also capable of running as a GOS with Mentor Embedded Hypervisor.

When operating in AMP mode, Nucleus RTOS can coexist with other instances of Nucleus, Linux, and/or [[bare machine]] (metal) programs distributed on the other processors. In this mode, each processor is running independently and behaves as a separate system within the SoC. Mentor Embedded Multicore Framework provides interprocess communication between operating systems on the various cores, and processor life cycle management. SMP operation entails having a instantiation of Nucleus RTOS manage multiple cores simultaneously. Nucleus can distribute its operations across all cores on a multi-core device, or any subset of cores. For this purpose Nucleus offers runtime API support for bound computation domain, and control tasks and interrupt affinities for core assignment.

=== Product packages ===
Nucleus RTOS is packaged as follows:
* Nucleus ReadyStart Edition ReadyStart which includes the [[runtime system]], [[middleware]], BSP (all in source code) and the IDE, debugger, compiling tools, trace bundle in a single package. Nucleus Ready Start comes in versions packaged for ARM, MIPS and PPC. Nucleus ReadyStart adds specialized eclipse plugins to CodeBench to provide simplified build and configuration workflows and debugging enhancements including kernel awareness, loadable module support, tracing and profiling tools.
* Nucleus Source Code Edition contains the runtime system and middleware packaged to support unique architectures and/or different tool chains

=== Safety certification===
Nucleus SafetyCert has been certified for the highest levels of safety for [[DO-178C]], [[IEC 61508]], [[IEC 62304]], and [[ISO 26262]].

== Products using Nucleus RTOS ==
Example devices using Nucleus products include:

* [[New Horizons]], interplanetary space probe<ref>{{cite web|last1=Voica|first1=Alexandru|title=MIPS in space: Inside NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto|url=http://blog.imgtec.com/mips-processors/mips-in-space-inside-nasa-new-horizons-mission-to-pluto|website=Imagination|access-date=2015-10-16|archive-date=2015-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017204133/http://blog.imgtec.com/mips-processors/mips-in-space-inside-nasa-new-horizons-mission-to-pluto|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Honeywell]] for Critical Terrain Awareness Technology in the aviation industry{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* IVL Technologies' On-Key Karaoke [[Mobile device|Handheld]] Player uses Nucleus PLUS<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ivl.com/|title=IVL Technologies|website=ivl.com}}</ref>
* [[Logitech]] uses it in its ''Pocket Video'' Portable Digital Video Cameras{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* [[SK Telecom]]'s first commercialization of [[code-division multiple access]] (CDMA) technology in Korea{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* [[Mediatek]] Dual SIM Dual processor based chipsets found on most Chinese phones{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* [[NEC]] High Definition [[Mobile phone|Mobile]] [[Handset]]{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* ASC's RBOX Multi-Service Aggregator Family uses Nucleus PLUS<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nsgdata.com/asc/index.html/|title=ASC|website=nsgdata.com|access-date=2006-06-17|archive-date=2006-06-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615171322/http://www.nsgdata.com/asc/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[TI-Nspire series]] handheld [[calculator]]s use Nucleus as the basis of their [[operating system]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ticalc.org/archives/news/articles/14/142/142696.html|title=TI-Nspire Technical Details - ticalc.org|website=www.ticalc.org}}</ref>
* Telephonics uses it in the USAF C-130 Avionics Modernization Program, SDI System, and the 767 Tanker Program, Aviation Communication System<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telephonics.com/|title=Telephonics - Surveillance, Communications, Analysis and Integrated Solutions leader|website=www.telephonics.com}}</ref>
* [[Garmin International]] to develop the CNX80 navigational [[Global Positioning System]] (GPS) for general aviation{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* A large number of Motorola, Samsung, LG, Siemens/Benq, Sagem and NEC mobile phones{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* The S-Class UI on LG Arena, New Chocolate etc.{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* Intellon Home Plug AV{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* Crestron Electronics on their older 2-series control system processors<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crestron.com|title=Control Systems for Home Automation, Campus & Building Control by Crestron Electronics|website=www.crestron.com}}</ref>
* [[BSS Audio]] in their [[Soundweb London]] range.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundweb-london.com|title=Soundweb London - BSS Networked Audio Systems|website=BSS Networked Audio Systems}}</ref>
* Later versions of [[Creative ZEN]] product line{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* The [[Infineon]] S-Gold2 chipset used in [[Siemens]] phones: S75, E71, M81, etc.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://s75.siemens-club.org/files/TD_Repair_L2.5_S75_R1.0.pdf|title=Все о глазах и зрении - офтальмологический форум|website=s75.siemens-club.org|access-date=2012-05-12|archive-date=2007-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205031008/http://s75.siemens-club.org/files/TD_Repair_L2.5_S75_R1.0.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* The [[Infineon]] S-Gold2 baseband chip used in [[Apple Inc.|Apple's]] [[iPhone]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cpushack.com/2010/08/13/the-evolution-of-the-apple-iphone-and-its-many-cpus-even-within-a-model/|title=The evolution of the Apple iPhone and its many CPU's – Even within a model - The CPU Shack Museum|website=cpushack.com|date=13 August 2010 }}</ref>
* The Metrotech i5000 [[Utility location|Utility Locating]] Receiver{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* The Creative Zen Vision line{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* [[Intel Active Management Technology]], [[Intel vPro|vPro]] embedded controller{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* [[Tandberg]] MXP video & telephony appliances<ref>http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/documents/140-1/140crt/140crt951.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>
* Datex-Ohmeda Avance anesthesia system{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* Zoll Medical Corporation defibrillators{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}
* Samsung ''[[bada]]'' platform based devices<ref>Samsung Electronics' strategy to compete in the 'bada' is..., Bloter, 2009.11.18, https://www.bloter.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=7334</ref>
* Mindray early patient monitor, ultrasound device, and hematology analyzer{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}}

==See also==
* [[Comparison of real-time operating systems]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/products/embedded/nucleus-rtos.html}}
* [http://www.mentor.com/products/embedded_software/nucleus_rtos/kernels/index.cfm Nucleus OS]



{{Real-time operating systems}}
{{Real-time operating systems}}
{{Microkernel}}
{{Operating system}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Nucleus Rtos}}
[[Category:Real-time operating systems]]
[[Category:ARM operating systems]]
[[Category:Embedded operating systems]]
[[Category:Embedded operating systems]]
[[Category:Microkernel-based operating systems]]

[[Category:Microkernels]]
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[[Category:Proprietary operating systems]]
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Latest revision as of 19:26, 29 March 2024

Nucleus RTOS
DeveloperMentor Graphics Corp., a Siemens Business
Written inC
OS familyPOSIX, TRON
Working stateCurrent
Source modelClosed source
Initial release1993; 31 years ago (1993)
Latest release3.x, 2017.02 / May 15, 2017; 7 years ago (2017-05-15)
Marketing targetEmbedded systems, IoT
Available inEnglish
PlatformsARM, NXP, MIPS, TI, PowerPC, Altera Nios II, Xilinx MicroBlaze, Renesas SuperH, Infineon, Atmel AT91SAM, RISC-V, others[1]
Kernel typeReal-time monolithic with hybrid support
LicenseProprietary
Official websiteNucleus website

Nucleus RTOS is a real-time operating system (RTOS) produced by the Embedded Software Division of Mentor Graphics, a Siemens Business, supporting 32- and 64-bit embedded system platforms. The operating system (OS) is designed for real-time embedded systems for medical, industrial, consumer, aerospace, and Internet of things (IoT) uses. Nucleus was released first in 1993. The latest version is 3.x, and includes features such as power management, process model, 64-bit support, safety certification, and support for heterogeneous computing multi-core system on a chip (SOCs) processors.

Nucleus process model adds space domain partitioning for task and module isolation on SOCs with either a memory management unit (MMU) or memory protection unit (MPU), such as those based on ARMv7/8 Cortex-A/R/M cores.

Supported platforms[edit]

Nucleus supports many embedded processors including leading ARMv7 Cortex A, R, and M devices. Recent releases support ARMv8 64-bit devices. The official website has a full list of supported devices.[2] It includes 32-bit MCUs and MPUs, configurable devices, and 32-bit and 64-bit multi-core processors.

History[edit]

Nucleus 1.x was released first in 1993 by Accelerated Technology (ATI) as Nucleus PLUS. It soon became one of the most commonly used RTOSs in the embedded market. Following its early success there, ATI added support for networking, graphics, and file systems, which accelerated adoption.

Mentor Graphics acquired ATI in March 2002, which was soon followed by the second generation of Nucleus RTOS. Version 2.x was released in 2003, improving its portability across different architectures and tool sets. New components like IPv6, Flash memory file system and Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 were added. Mentor replaced the legacy Codelab debugger with EDGE development tools which included compiler tools, debugger, simulator, and profiler.

Mentor Graphics introduced the 3rd generation Nucleus in 2010. Version 3.x was intended for both high-end microprocessor units (MPUs), microcontroller units (MCUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). For devices with limited memory resources, Nucleus was designed to scale down to a memory size of <10 kilobytes (KBs) for both code and data.

Nucleus 3.x introduced support for symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) and asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP) both unsupervised uAMP and supervised sAMP (using Mentor Embedded Hypervisor). Other additions in Nucleus 3.x:

  • Integrated power management support for kernel and middleware components; includes support for DVFS, tick suppression, and sleep modes including hibernation.
  • Process model for memory partitioning to support dynamic loading and unloading of application modules. Loadable processes are supported on both high end MPUs and low end MCUs with or without hardware memory management support.
  • Wireless support
  • IoT protocols
  • Safety certification for aerospace, medical, industrial and automotive
  • Support for ARM TrustZone
  • Mentor embedded multi-core framework for IPC and processor life cycle management for AMP designs (both supervised sAMP and unsupervised uAMP)
  • Runtime tracing support with host side analysis tools

In addition to the new features in version 3.x, Nucleus moved business model from a la carte, to one unified package.

Mentor acquired CodeSourcery in Dec 2010 to replace the EDGE development tools with the Sourcery CodeBench. Sourcery CodeBench comprises a compiler tool-chain, debugger, and trace analysis tools. The compiler tool-chain is based on GNU tool-chain. The debugger and integrated development environment (IDE) are based on Eclipse. Sourcery CodeBench supports ARM, IA-32, MIPS, and PPC architectures with built-in workflows and OS awareness for Nucleus RTOS and Mentor Embedded Linux.

Nucleus 3.x introduced a unified build and configuration system with which the Kernel is configured through a single file and builds as a single library. Like menuconfig in Linux, a user interface (UI) based configuration tool integrated with CodeBench provides the user with graphically selectable components to customize the kernel at build time. The Nucleus configuration system allows for user customization to integrate new tool-chains, architecture support and build properties.

Major components[edit]

Nucleus RTOS components include:

  1. Kernel
  2. Services
  3. Connectivity
  4. File system
  5. Networking
  6. IoT Framework
  7. Wireless
  8. Security
  9. UI & graphics

Kernel[edit]

  • Real-time kernel with priority based pre-emptive scheduling
  • Support for dynamic linking using loadable modules
  • Interfaces for C++, Portable Operating System Interface (POSIX), and The Real-time Operating system Nucleus (TRON) microITRON
  • SMP/AMP, supervised and unsupervised
  • SMP support and runtime control for bound computation domain and affinities to processor cores for tasks and interrupts
  • Support for 64-bit architectures
  • Scalable to fit memory constrained devices
  • Built-in power management framework
  • Source code for all components

Services[edit]

  • Run-level initialization and registry
  • POSIX: kernel, networking, and file system
  • Shell and tracing
  • Debug agent
  • C++
  • Power management services

Connectivity[edit]

Nucleus supports the ability to connect to other devices through various interfaces including:

File system[edit]

Unlike Windows and Unix-like operating systems, Nucleus does not need a file system to work. However, for complex uses needing local storage, Nucleus supports several file systems including FAT, SAFE (fault tolerant), and LWEXT.

Multiple simultaneous file systems[edit]

  • File Allocation Table (FAT)
  • SAFE (high reliability power fail safe)
  • LWEXT
  • Install-able third-party file systems

Multiple media support[edit]

  • CD-ROM
  • Hard drive
  • RAM disk
  • NOR and NAND flash
  • USB drive
  • SD MMC

Nucleus provides support for different file systems and storage media through a virtual file system application programming interface (API) that allows access to the supported file systems and storage devices using the same functions calls regardless of the underlying storage format.

Networking[edit]

The Nucleus networking stack is a dual IPv4 and IPv6 stack that supports over 60 networking protocols. Nucleus networking stack supports POSIX and provides an easy to use socket based application interface. A brief list of the supported protocols include:

Security[edit]

Nucleus supports a wide variety of encryption options for secure communications to protect data at rest or in transit. Nucleus ships with OpenSSL and an OpenSSL-like package wolfSSL (formerly CyaSSL) that is far smaller than OpenSSL for designs needing encryption but limited in memory capacity.[3] Security protocols to protect data in transit include IPsec/IKE, SSH/SSL/TLS/DTLS. Encryption includes DES, 3DES, AES, SHA-256. Public-key cryptography algorithms include RSA. Support includes X.509, RADIUS, and 802.1X.

Wireless[edit]

Several Wi-Fi modules from different chip-makers like QCA, Broadcom, TI, and CSR are supported:

UI graphics[edit]

Nucleus 3.x supports OpenGL and leading 3rd party UI libraries. Nucleus supports the Qt UI framework which has been optimized for code size and integrated into CodeBench for debugging and tracing. Other UIs supported include Embedded Wizard and Socionext CGI Studio.

IoT[edit]

Recent releases of Nucleus include support for HTTPS, Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP), MQTT and 6LoWPAN.

Nucleus has also announced support for Microsoft Azure cloud computing framework.

Industrial[edit]

Nucleus has been integrated with 3rd party industrial stacks from industry leaders. Industrial stack support includes OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) host and client and EtherNet/IP from Softing Archived 2017-08-22 at the Wayback Machine and EtherCAT from KoenigPa.

Multi-core[edit]

Nucleus supports asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP) mode and symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) mode for leading 32 and 64-bit heterogeneous multi-core SoCs. Nucleus is also capable of running as a GOS with Mentor Embedded Hypervisor.

When operating in AMP mode, Nucleus RTOS can coexist with other instances of Nucleus, Linux, and/or bare machine (metal) programs distributed on the other processors. In this mode, each processor is running independently and behaves as a separate system within the SoC. Mentor Embedded Multicore Framework provides interprocess communication between operating systems on the various cores, and processor life cycle management. SMP operation entails having a instantiation of Nucleus RTOS manage multiple cores simultaneously. Nucleus can distribute its operations across all cores on a multi-core device, or any subset of cores. For this purpose Nucleus offers runtime API support for bound computation domain, and control tasks and interrupt affinities for core assignment.

Product packages[edit]

Nucleus RTOS is packaged as follows:

  • Nucleus ReadyStart Edition ReadyStart which includes the runtime system, middleware, BSP (all in source code) and the IDE, debugger, compiling tools, trace bundle in a single package. Nucleus Ready Start comes in versions packaged for ARM, MIPS and PPC. Nucleus ReadyStart adds specialized eclipse plugins to CodeBench to provide simplified build and configuration workflows and debugging enhancements including kernel awareness, loadable module support, tracing and profiling tools.
  • Nucleus Source Code Edition contains the runtime system and middleware packaged to support unique architectures and/or different tool chains

Safety certification[edit]

Nucleus SafetyCert has been certified for the highest levels of safety for DO-178C, IEC 61508, IEC 62304, and ISO 26262.

Products using Nucleus RTOS[edit]

Example devices using Nucleus products include:

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Nucleus OS Supported Processors". www.mentor.com.
  2. ^ "Nucleus RTOS Supported Processors". www.mentor.com. Retrieved 2017-08-22.
  3. ^ "wolfSSL User Manual – Chapter 5: Portability – Documentation". Retrieved 2019-02-14.
  4. ^ Voica, Alexandru. "MIPS in space: Inside NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto". Imagination. Archived from the original on 2015-10-17. Retrieved 2015-10-16.
  5. ^ "IVL Technologies". ivl.com.
  6. ^ "ASC". nsgdata.com. Archived from the original on 2006-06-15. Retrieved 2006-06-17.
  7. ^ "TI-Nspire Technical Details - ticalc.org". www.ticalc.org.
  8. ^ "Telephonics - Surveillance, Communications, Analysis and Integrated Solutions leader". www.telephonics.com.
  9. ^ "Control Systems for Home Automation, Campus & Building Control by Crestron Electronics". www.crestron.com.
  10. ^ "Soundweb London - BSS Networked Audio Systems". BSS Networked Audio Systems.
  11. ^ "Все о глазах и зрении - офтальмологический форум" (PDF). s75.siemens-club.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-02-05. Retrieved 2012-05-12.
  12. ^ "The evolution of the Apple iPhone and its many CPU's – Even within a model - The CPU Shack Museum". cpushack.com. 13 August 2010.
  13. ^ http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/documents/140-1/140crt/140crt951.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  14. ^ Samsung Electronics' strategy to compete in the 'bada' is..., Bloter, 2009.11.18, https://www.bloter.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=7334

External links[edit]

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