# FreeRTOS

> Real-time operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q1186761](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1186761)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FreeRTOS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/freertos

## Summary
FreeRTOS is a real-time operating system (RTOS) designed for embedded systems, prioritizing minimal delay in processing data. It is a microkernel-based OS with a focus on efficiency and reliability, supporting a wide range of microcontrollers and architectures. Originally developed in 2003, it has since become a widely used open-source solution for real-time applications.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Real-time operating system (RTOS) and embedded operating system
- **Kernel Architecture**: Microkernel
- **Creator**: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- **License**: MIT License (since November 29, 2017)
- **Platforms**: ARM architecture, Atmel AVR, AVR32, 68HC12, Infineon TriCore, Intel MCS-51, Nios II, NXP ColdFire, PowerPC, RISC-V, TI MSP430, TI MSP432, V850, Xtensa
- **Versions**: 1.0, 2.2, 4.0.1, 8.2.1, 9.0.1, 10.1.0, 10.1.1, 10.2.1, 10.3.1, 10.4.0, 10.4.1, 202012.00-LTS, 202104.00, 202210.00-LTS, 202212.01, 202210.01-LTS, 202406.04-LTS
- **Website**: [freertos.org](https://www.freertos.org) (English, launched in 2003)
- **Source Code**: Hosted on [GitHub](https://github.com/FreeRTOS)
- **Aliases**: SafeRTOS
- **Related Projects**: TI MSP430, Flipper Zero, Playdate OS
- **Twitter Handle**: @real_FreeRTOS (since August 27, 2010)
- **User Manual**: Available at [FreeRTOS Reference Manual](https://www.freertos.org/fr-content-src/uploads/2018/07/FreeRTOS_Reference_Manual_V10.0.0.pdf)
- **Wikipedia**: Available in multiple languages (e.g., English, Spanish, Japanese)
- **Stack Exchange Tag**: [FreeRTOS on Electronics Stack Exchange](https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/freertos)

## FAQs
- **What is FreeRTOS used for?** FreeRTOS is primarily used in embedded systems where real-time performance is critical, such as industrial automation, medical devices, and IoT applications.
- **Is FreeRTOS open-source?** Yes, FreeRTOS is open-source and licensed under the MIT License since 2017.
- **Which microcontrollers does FreeRTOS support?** FreeRTOS supports a wide range of microcontrollers, including ARM, AVR, MSP430, and RISC-V architectures.
- **Who created FreeRTOS?** FreeRTOS was originally developed by Amazon Web Services (AWS).
- **What is the latest version of FreeRTOS?** The latest stable version is 202212.01, with 202406.04-LTS being the most recent long-term support release.
- **How does FreeRTOS differ from other RTOS?** FreeRTOS is known for its lightweight design, microkernel architecture, and strong focus on real-time performance, making it ideal for resource-constrained environments.

## Why It Matters
FreeRTOS plays a crucial role in the embedded systems industry by providing a reliable, low-latency operating system for real-time applications. Its microkernel design ensures efficiency, while its open-source nature fosters community contributions and customization. By supporting a wide range of microcontrollers, FreeRTOS enables developers to build robust, real-time solutions for industries such as automotive, healthcare, and industrial automation. Its adoption in projects like the Flipper Zero and Playdate OS demonstrates its versatility and impact on modern embedded systems.

## Notable For
- **Microkernel Architecture**: FreeRTOS uses a microkernel design, which enhances modularity and security.
- **Wide Microcontroller Support**: It supports over 15 different microcontroller architectures, including ARM, AVR, and RISC-V.
- **Long-Term Support Releases**: FreeRTOS provides LTS versions (e.g., 202210.01-LTS) to ensure stability for critical applications.
- **Open-Source Adoption**: Its MIT License encourages widespread use and modification, making it a popular choice for developers.
- **Industry Applications**: Used in projects like the Flipper Zero multi-tool device and the Playdate OS for handheld gaming.

## Body
### Overview
FreeRTOS is a real-time operating system (RTOS) designed for embedded systems, emphasizing minimal delay in data processing. It is classified as both a real-time operating system and an embedded operating system, with a microkernel architecture that prioritizes efficiency and reliability. The project was originally developed in 2003 and has since evolved into a widely used open-source solution for real-time applications.

### Development and Ownership
FreeRTOS was created by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and is now maintained as an open-source project. It was released under the MIT License in November 2017, which has facilitated its adoption across various industries. The project is hosted on GitHub, where developers can contribute to its development and access the latest versions.

### Technical Specifications
FreeRTOS supports a diverse range of microcontrollers, including ARM, AVR, MSP430, and RISC-V architectures. The system is known for its microkernel design, which ensures modularity and security. Key versions include 202212.01 (stable) and 202406.04-LTS (long-term support), reflecting its commitment to stability and backward compatibility.

### Community and Support
FreeRTOS has an active community, with resources available on its official website, GitHub, and Stack Exchange. The project also maintains a user manual and an official blog for updates and best practices. Its open-source nature encourages collaboration, with contributions from developers worldwide.

### Related Projects and Applications
FreeRTOS is used in various embedded systems, including the Flipper Zero multi-tool device and the Playdate OS for the Playdate handheld console. Its real-time capabilities make it suitable for applications in industrial automation, medical devices, and IoT solutions.

### Historical Context
The project began in 2003 and has since undergone multiple updates, with significant milestones including the release of version 10.0.0 in 2018. Its evolution reflects a commitment to improving performance, security, and compatibility with modern microcontroller architectures.

### Availability and Accessibility
FreeRTOS is available in multiple languages on Wikipedia and has a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons. It is also listed on platforms like SourceForge and Quora, further enhancing its accessibility to developers and users.

## References

1. [Source](https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/opensource/announcing-freertos-kernel-v10/)
2. [Source](http://www.freertos.org/History.txt)
3. [Source](https://www.freertos.org/History.txt)
4. [Source](https://github.com/FreeRTOS/FreeRTOS/releases/tag/V10.3.1)
5. [Source](https://github.com/FreeRTOS/FreeRTOS/releases/tag/V10.4.0)
6. [Release 10.4.1. 2020](https://github.com/FreeRTOS/FreeRTOS/releases/tag/V10.4.1)
7. [Release FreeRTOSv202012.00-LTS. 2020](https://github.com/FreeRTOS/FreeRTOS/releases/tag/202012.00)
8. [Release FreeRTOSv202104.00. 2021](https://github.com/FreeRTOS/FreeRTOS/releases/tag/202104.00)
9. [Source](https://sourceforge.net/projects/freertos/files/OldFiles/)
10. [New FreeRTOS Long Term Support version released. 2022](https://www.freertos.org/2022/10/new-freertos-long-term-support-version-released.html)
11. [FreeRTOSv202212.01 Latest. 2023](https://github.com/FreeRTOS/FreeRTOS/releases/tag/202212.01)
12. [202210.01-LTS (November 2022). 2022](https://github.com/FreeRTOS/FreeRTOS-LTS/releases/tag/202210.01-LTS)
13. [Release 202406.04-LTS · FreeRTOS/FreeRTOS-LTS. 2025](https://github.com/FreeRTOS/FreeRTOS-LTS/releases/tag/202406.04-LTS)
14. [Microcontrollers and compiler tool chains supported by FreeRTOS](https://freertos.org/RTOS_ports.html)
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. [Source](https://who.is/whois/freertos.org)
17. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/*/freertos.org/)
18. [Source](https://sourceforge.net/p/freertos/news/2004/06/now-on-sourceforge-too/)
19. Quora