The LifeOS™ lean operating system, enables “App like” functionality in the smallest spaces.
LifeOS™ is designed to bring more robustness to small microprocessors without a Memory Management Unit (MMU).
MMU-less processor architectures are designed around components that are small and inexpensive – so cost in price, as well as size and space are critical. to provide “app-like” functionality while reducing Size, Power and Cost. On the flip side, microprocessors with on-chip MMU are usually more complex, larger and expensive, and therefore not typically selected for use in small, simple embedded systems. LifeOS changes that.
Loading modules from optimized storage into high premium program space on demand, allows the OS to offer extended functionality while keeping the costs for additional resources under control.
LifeOS™ is designed for embedded devices, utilizing a cooperative multitasking to enable functions in small processors usually found on larger systems. Normally this functionality requires processors with virtualization capabilities, an MMU or additional hardware. This lean operating system bypasses the need for extra hardware using our patented code linking and loading processes. LifeOS™ is highly optimized for embedded systems that typically run code from flash memory. Most importantly, this technology supports downloadable apps that can be dynamically loaded into memory when needed.
Jumping Moore's Law
Dynamic Loadable Modules in Light Embedded Systems.
When people think of Moore’s Law, they focus on the performance increases and speed gains that come from denser integrated circuits. However, shrinking processes have slowed down – as they’ve run up against the physical limits of putting features in spaces that approach the size of a few atoms. Chip and system makers must optimize their hardware, while developers and others must make harder choices in optimizing their applications.
The advantages of independent modules, individually loadable, on demand – has long been recognized and used on larger computer systems. It provides a high level of flexibility and function that a given system can deliver. Instead of including functionality in one monolithic code base, the system has access to a large set of modules, located in highly optimized, low cost, long term storage. Handling modules using this methodology allows maximized programmability that is limited only by the number of modules offered – and the amount of long term storage space available. Operating systems from mainframes and PC’s to the smart devices of today are based on this principle.
LifeOS™ Benefits & Features
Proprietary Flash Linker
Converts ELF files into FLM (Flash Loadable Module) files which are more efficient for loading binary images into flash on embedded systems with limited resources.
Efficient Relocation
The entire code & data segment is loaded directly into RAM and enumerated through relocation sections to maintain and update the code and data locations in RAM accordingly.
Flash Loadable Modules
Provides the ability to load binary modules freely at any memory location, independent of initial target addresses used at build time.
Position Independent Code (PIC)
Simplifying the dynamic linking process between libraries intended to be shared by multiple processes, the FLM technology is compatible with any PIC implementation and streamlines the relocation process.
