Minimizing risk:
embedded software and today’s medical devices
By Stephen Olsen
Stephen covers key system software issues that embedded systems developers must address, including next-generation SoCs that contain multiple cores and methodologies to properly allocate the applications between several types of operating systems.
Embedded developers face several decisions when developing medical embedded devices, from selecting the best system soft- ware for optimal application performance, to understanding the interactions and limitations between the software operating system and target hardware. Should the software engineer use a small micro-kernel, Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), or a General Purpose OS (GPOS) such as Android or Linux? Other considerations include the physical size of the system for portability and functionality requirements, including faster performance, power consumption, data protection, and display (user interface) technology. And FDA certification and industry standards that affect embedded software selection come into the mix as well.
Modern medical devices are evolving at a record clip. From portable wireless units for patients to use at home to larger more
16 | April 2011 Embedded Computing Design
complex devices used by healthcare professionals at a facility, there’s no question we are at the forefront of developing new ways to empower patients and medical professionals alike. How do we make sure the system software that controls these devices does exactly as planned with little to no risk of harming the patient?
At the heart of the matter: operating systems Typically an Operating System (OS) manages a medical embedded device. An OS can vary from a simple “roll your own” built in-house by a few enterprising software coders to a more complex OS from an established vendor. A GPOS such as Linux or Android establishes a feature-rich platform for applica- tion development, but sometimes consumes more memory than necessary. An RTOS is also a good choice for modern medical devices, particularly when specific system requirements require
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Software | RTOS and tools
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