How do operating systems manage hardware and software

Introduction

In an embedded system, the hardware provides the “muscle” and the application software provides the “instructions.” However, without a mediator, the software wouldn’t know how to talk to the processor, and the processor wouldn’t know how to prioritize multiple tasks. This mediator is the Operating System (OS).

From a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) perspective, the OS is a foundational architectural choice. It dictates how the product will scale, how it will be updated (OTA updates), and how it will meet safety-critical requirements.

The Three Core Functions of an OS in Embedded Systems

The Operating System manages the “handshake” between domains through three main mechanisms:

1. Hardware Abstraction (The Translator)

The OS provides a Kernel and Device Drivers that act as a bridge. The application software doesn’t need to know the electrical specifics of a sensor; it simply asks the OS for “Data,” and the OS handles the low-level communication with the hardware.

2. Resource Management (The Librarian)

The OS decides how to allocate the limited resources of an embedded device:

• CPU Management: Which task gets to run and for how long?
• Memory Management: Ensuring different software modules don’t overwrite each other’s data.
• Power Management: Putting hardware components to “sleep” when not in use to save battery.

3. Task Scheduling (The Conductor)

In complex systems, many things happen at once (e.g., reading a temperature, updating a screen, and sending Wi-Fi data). The OS uses a Scheduler to prioritize these tasks, ensuring that time-critical functions (like an airbag deployment) happen instantly.

RTOS vs. General-Purpose OS

In the world of PLM and industrial products, the choice of OS type is a critical requirement:

Managing the OS Lifecycle within PLM

The Operating System is not a “set it and forget it” component. It must be managed throughout the product life:

• Security Patching: The OS is often the most vulnerable layer. PLM must track which OS version is in the field to push security updates.
• Driver Compatibility: If a hardware component is changed, the OS drivers must be updated. PLM ensures this link is never broken.
• Long-term Support (LTS): Many industrial products last 20 years. Choosing an OS with a 20-year support roadmap is a strategic requirement managed in the PLM system.

How Visure Solutions Integrates OS Requirements

Visure Requirements ALM Platform ensures that the Operating System is perfectly aligned with the product’s mission:

• Defining OS-Specific Requirements: Link high-level goals (e.g., “The system must boot in under 2 seconds”) directly to the OS configuration and kernel selection.
• Safety & Certification (IEC 61508 / ISO 26262): If your product requires safety certification, the OS must be “pre-certified.” Visure tracks these certifications and ensures all software built on top of the OS follows the same safety rules.
• Inter-dependency Mapping: Use Visure to visualize how an OS update might impact existing software applications or hardware performance.
• Verification & Validation: Manage automated testing that checks if the OS is correctly managing hardware interrupts and memory allocation under stress.

Conclusion: The Silent Heart of Smart Products

The Operating System is the invisible layer that turns a collection of circuits and code into a functional, reliable product. By understanding how the OS manages the complex dance between hardware and software, engineering teams can make better architectural decisions that lead to safer and more efficient products.

With Visure, your OS selection and management are no longer a “black box.” Every decision is documented, traceable, and integrated into your overall PLM strategy, ensuring that your product’s heart beats with precision and security.

Check out the 14-day free trial at Visure and experience how AI-driven change control can help you manage changes faster, safer, and with full audit readiness.