Developing a Virtual RTOS for PLCs on a Microcontroller

In this article, the author shares their experience in developing a custom virtual Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) designed for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) based on microcontrollers. The project is a hobbyist endeavor, which allowed the developer to experiment with system architecture and functionality without the rigid constraints typical of industrial standards. The author details the objectives set, the core design process, and the primary technical challenges encountered when implementing multitasking and resource management within the limited hardware capabilities of a microcontroller. This publication will be of interest to embedded systems enthusiasts looking to better understand the principles of RTOS operation and methods for adapting them to specific automation tasks. The author notes that the project is still evolving and invites the community to discuss the technical solutions and architectural approaches used in the system's creation.