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Real-Time Application Development

A real-time application is one that manages time critical systems, such as manufacturing process controls, high speed data acquisition devices, or telecommunications switching equipment. The unique characteristic of a real-time application is that it not only provides the correct response, but also responds within a specified time frame.

It is important to distinguish between a real-time system and a real-time operating system (RTOS). The real-time system is a set of all system elements — the hardware, operating system, and applications — needed to meet the system requirements. The RTOS is one element of a complete real-time system. The following list describes the RTOS capabilities the Windows CE supports:

  • More thread priority levels
  • Simplified priority inversion handling
  • Full nested interrupt support
  • Greater time and scheduling control

 Last updated on Tuesday, May 18, 2004

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