Windows CE is Microsoft's operating system for minimalistic computers and embedded systems. Windows CE is a distinctly different operating system and kernel, rather than a trimmed-down version of desktop Windows. It is a version of the Windows operating system designed for small devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) or Handheld PCs.
Windows Embedded CE is an operating system and development platform that provides a 32-bit native, componentized, hard real-time operating system, unified kernel, and powerful embedded development tools designed for small footprint, smart, connected, and service-oriented devices, ranging from power- conscious GPS handhelds to real-time industrial controllers.
Features:
- Small Footprint: 300KB/ 700 Components
- Processors: ARM, MIPS, SH4, x86
- Real-Time OS: 32-bit Native Real-Time Support Unified Kernel
- Code Flexibility: Choose your preferred Microsoft development technology—Win32, MFC, or the .NET Compact Framework (C#, VB). Code natively for higher performance and a smaller footprint or write managed code for faster development and portability to other platforms
- Source Code Accessibility: Debug, test, and make changes to an OS image with Access to Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Shared Source. Modify the OS code for your device and create differentiated features, while maintaining control over your intellectual property—without sharing your code
- Configure and Test Easily: Configure, build, and test operating system images with an ARM-based device emulator included with Platform Builder for Windows Embedded CE 6.0.
- Faster Editing: Edit using IntelliSense technology, syntax highlighting, and graphical bib and registry file editors –part of the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 editor
- Enhanced Compilers: Use the latest Visual Studio Compilers that increase C++ language conformance; provide better libraries; support CRT, ATL, and MFC; and offer improved runtime security check features (/GS)
- Production Quality Drivers: Leverage a broad selection of production-quality device drivers available with Windows Embedded CE 6.0 to decrease driver modification when working with custom hardware
- Native Windows Applications: Connect with other Microsoft technologies, including Windows Internet Explorer and Microsoft Windows Media Player
- Run Win32 Applications: Customized Win 32 Applications
- Windows CE is optimized for devices that have minimal storage, a, Windows CE kernel may run in under a megabyte of memory
- Devices are often configured without disk storage, and may be configured as a “closed” system that does not allow for end-user extension (for instance, it can be burned into ROM)
- Windows CE conforms to the definition of a real-time operating system, with a deterministic interrupt latency
- It supports 256 priority levels and uses priority inheritance for dealing with priority inversion
- The fundamental unit of execution is the thread which helps to simplify the interface and improve execution time
Applications:
Developers use Windows Embedded CE for a variety of smart, connected, and service-oriented devices, ranging from power-conscious GPS handhelds to real-time, mission-critical industrial controllers, including:
- ATM's
- Bar code and RFID Scanners
- Digital Picture Frames
- Digital Media Adapters
- Feature Phones
- Fuel Pumps
- Gaming Devices
- GPS
- Handheld Terminals
- Home/building Automation Gateways
- Industrial Control
- Intelligent Appliances
- Mini-Kiosks
- Mobile Point of Service
- Monitoring Devices
- Networked Media Devices
- Media Servers
- Remote Metering
- Set-top Boxes
- Smart Media Controls
- Thin Clients
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Phones
- Windows Side Show
Technical Specifications:
- Workstation Requirements: PC with 933 MHz or faster processor; 2 GHz recommended
- Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP4 or Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2
- 512 MB of RAM; 1 GB recommended
- 18 GB of available space required on installation drive
- 1 GB of available space required on system drive
- DVD-ROM Drive
- Display monitor that supports 1024 x 768 high color — 16-bit color
- Security Features:
- Credential Manager
- Local Authentication Subsystem (LASS)
- Cryptography and Certificates
- Protected Store
- Security Support and Provider Interface Architecture
- Security Socket Layer
- Smart Card Support
Architecture:
- Unified Kernel: The Windows Embedded CE 6.0 kernel handles more than 32,000 simultaneous processes, each with 2GB of virtual memory space. The file system supports larger storage media and file sizes (up to 4 GB) and removable media encryption
- Drivers: Production-quality device drivers help decrease the amount of modification needed for drivers to work with custom hardware. Enhanced driver support helps ensure easy portability. Drivers can be run in kernel mode for performance or in user mode for robustness. Review the complete list of supported device drivers
- Security Features: A redesigned one-tier security model feature is SDL compliant and helps ensure that only authenticated applications can run on an embedded device
- Compatibility: Windows Embedded CE 6.0 works with key processor architectures (x86, ARM, SH4, and MIPS). Its compatibility-testing tool has features to help port existing Win32 applications
- Device Peformance: Improvements to the kernel architecture reduce the overhead of system calls between base OS services, improving operating system performance
- Connectivity: Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2 extends the capabilities of existing CE devices to connect to Windows Servers and to each other, allowing you to quickly develop low footprint device scenarios that connect to Windows PCs and Servers
Advantages:
- Connectivity - 700 Components
- By using only the components you need, you can shorten overall development, optimize operating system size and lower hardware costs
- Supports various types of processor platforms
- Possible to Customize the Kernel and can reduce its size (upto ~300KB kernel size)
- Especially for the embedded device platform