vOS - Virtual Embedded Operating System

vOS is a comprehensive simulation-based approach to learning and implementing embedded operating system concepts without requiring any physical hardware. This innovative project demonstrates how complex embedded systems can be fully simulated using modern C++ and standard desktop development tools.

Simulation-Based Architecture

I am building vOS as a pure software simulation that replicates the behavior and functionality of real embedded systems. Instead of programming actual microcontrollers or embedded hardware, i am creating virtual representations of all hardware components:

Hardware Abstraction Through Software(some have already been implemented while some are in progress):

• Memory-mapped I/O simulation will be using std::map structures
• Hardware interrupts implentation will be as software callbacks and threading
• Real-time clock emulated with std::chrono for precise timing
• Device registers representation will be as virtual memory addresses
• Peripheral devices (UART, GPIO, Timers) simulation as C++ classes

Progressive Development Approach

I am constructing vOS through 11 structured tasks that build upon each other, creating a complete embedded operating system simulation[1]:

Foundation Phase (Tasks 1-2) - Currently Complete

• Kernel Bootstrap: System initialization with singleton pattern and tick management
• Cooperative Scheduler: Task Control Blocks (TCBs) with round-robin execution and timer-based reactivation

System Integration Phase (Tasks 3-5) - In Progress

• Plugin System: Dynamic driver loading through DLL architecture
• Virtual Filesystem: Unix-style /dev/ device access
• Command Line Interface: System administration and debugging tools

Advanced Features Phase (Tasks 6-11) - Planned

• Interrupt Simulation: Software-based IRQ handling with ISR management
• Real-time Features: Priority scheduling, deadline monitoring, and schedulability analysis
• Communication Protocols: UART, SPI, and wireless stack implementations
• Security Systems: Cryptography, secure boot, and audit logging

Current Implementation Status

Your vOS kernel currently demonstrates a fully functional cooperative multitasking system[1]:

// Real embedded-style task management
TCB backgroundLogger("BackgroundLogger", Priority::LOW, [](){
    uint64_t currentTick = Kernel::getTicks();
    logger.log(MessageType::INFO, "[Logger] System running smoothly");
}, 5); // 5-tick timer period

// Automatic scheduler integration
scheduler.registerTask(std::move(backgroundLogger));

Key Simulation Features Working:

• 100ms system tick driving all operations
• Task state management (READY/RUNNING/WAITING)
• Priority-based scheduling with three levels
• Timer-based task reactivation for periodic execution
• Thread-safe operations throughout the system

Educational Simulation Benefits

This simulation-based approach provides several advantages atleast for me:

Accessibility: No expensive development boards or hardware debuggers required Safety: No risk of hardware damage during experimentation Rapid Prototyping: Immediate testing and debugging without hardware setup delays Cost Effective: Runs on any desktop computer with standard development tools Comprehensive Learning: Covers all embedded concepts from kernel to security