Mbed OS is an open-source embedded operating system launched by Arm for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It provides a comprehensive solution for developing connected products based on Arm Cortex-M microcontrollers, covering security, connectivity, real-time operating system (RTOS), as well as drivers for sensors and I/O devices. This article will delve into the usage of Mbed OS, the packaging and release process, and relevant security considerations, helping developers better understand and apply this powerful tool.
The Core Features and Advantages of Mbed OS
The core advantage of Mbed OS lies in its ease of use and powerful feature set. It offers the following key characteristics:
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• Robust Security Foundation: Built-in security mechanisms protect devices from malicious attacks. This includes secure boot, secure storage, and encryption features. -
• Rich Cloud Management Services: Simplifies remote management and updates of devices, facilitating large-scale deployment and maintenance for developers. -
• Comprehensive Driver Support: Provides drivers for a wide range of sensors, I/O devices, and connectivity modules, reducing development time and workload. -
• User-Friendly API: Offers a concise and easy-to-understand API, enabling developers to quickly get started and develop applications. -
• Cross-Platform Support: Supports various Arm Cortex-M microcontrollers, making it easy for developers to choose suitable hardware platforms. -
• Active Community Support: Has a large developer community that provides abundant learning resources and technical support.
How to Use Mbed OS
The usage of Mbed OS is mainly divided into the following steps:
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1. Setting Up the Development Environment: Mbed OS supports various Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), such as the online IDE (mbed.com), Keil MDK, IAR Embedded Workbench, etc. After choosing the appropriate IDE, install the corresponding toolchain and Mbed OS SDK. -
2. Creating a Project: You can create a new project using Mbed OS’s online IDE and select the target hardware platform. You can also clone existing projects from GitHub repositories for modification. -
3. Writing Code: Mbed OS provides a rich set of APIs and library functions, allowing developers to write application code using C/C++. -
4. Compiling and Debugging: Use the chosen IDE to compile the code and use a debugger to debug the code. Mbed OS’s online IDE offers convenient compilation and debugging features. -
5. Deployment: After compilation, download the generated firmware to the target hardware platform to run.
Packaging and Releasing Mbed OS
The packaging and releasing process of Mbed OS is relatively simple and mainly includes the following steps:
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1. Code Organization: Ensure that the code complies with Mbed OS coding standards and perform necessary tests on the code. -
2. Generating Firmware: Use the chosen IDE or toolchain to compile the code into a firmware file. -
3. Packaging: Package the firmware file, related documentation, and library files into a compressed file. -
4. Releasing: You can release the packaged project through GitHub, other code hosting platforms, or private servers.
Security Considerations
When using Mbed OS in a production environment, it is essential to carefully consider security issues. Mbed OS provides weak link functions (WEAK symbol), which developers can override to implement custom security policies. For example, the <span>mbed_die</span> function by default stops system operation, and developers can override this function to take safer measures in case of an error, such as logging the error, attempting to recover the system, or safely shutting down the device.
Conclusion
Mbed OS is a powerful and easy-to-use embedded operating system that provides a comprehensive solution for the development of IoT devices. With its rich features, convenient development tools, and active community support, Mbed OS helps developers quickly build secure and reliable IoT applications. However, developers must pay attention to security issues when using Mbed OS and take necessary measures to protect device security.
Project Address:https://github.com/ARMmbed/mbed-os