FreeRTOS v6 launched and demonstrated by Renesas at DevCon

Enhancements to this latest version of the small efficient kernel include support to enable tasks to be created in the suspended state, and a new API function to allow access to the tick count value from the ISR (interrupt service routine) - and in so doing help maintain kernel data hiding.

FreeRTOS is amongst the most widely downloaded and used real time operating systems. In March 2010 it was declared the industry's favourite (bit.ly/duBJTt) by an independent survey of embedded engineers asked to select all of the operating systems being considered for use.

The OS is a portable, open source, royalty free, mini real time kernel which is both free to download and free to deploy. It can be used in commercial applications and does not require proprietary source code to be exposed. A commercial license and support upgrade path is also provided by High Integrity Systems, a global engineering partner company with a distinguished history dating back more than 60 years.

During 2009 FreeRTOS was downloaded more than 77,500 times. It now boasts over 50 ports and supports 26 architectures.

Richard Barry, director of Real Time Engineers Ltd., said: We're delighted to be given the opportunity to work closely with Renesas on the development of these new ports. I'm confident that supporting what is an excellent architecture will allow FreeRTOS usage to continue growing at its current rapid rate.