PREEMPTRTpakken

PREEMPTRTpakken refers to the collection of patches that implement the PREEMPT_RT real-time patch set for the Linux kernel. The patch set is designed to convert the kernel into a fully preemptible system, reducing interrupt latency and providing more deterministic scheduling for time-critical tasks. It encompasses changes to the kernel scheduler, interrupt handling, locking primitives, and timer infrastructure to allow higher-priority tasks to run with minimal delays.

Key features associated with PREEMPTRTpakken include real-time scheduling classes (primarily SCHED_FIFO and SCHED_RR, with some versions supporting deadlines-based scheduling), high-resolution timers, and priority inheritance for synchronization primitives. The goal is to minimize non-deterministic latency introduced by kernel code execution, interrupts, and scheduler decisions, which is important for applications in audio production, robotics, automation, automotive, and other embedded real-time domains.

Deployment and usage vary by distribution. Many Linux distributions offer PREEMPT_RT-enabled kernel variants or provide patches and build recipes to create an RT-capable kernel. In practice, users install a kernel variant labeled with RT (for example, a linux-rt package) or apply the PREEMPT_RT patch to the kernel source before compiling. This approach is common in environments requiring predictable response times and tighter timing guarantees.

Limitations and trade-offs include potential performance overhead in non-real-time workloads, increased complexity in driver compatibility, and maintenance considerations when tracking patch series versus mainline kernels. PREEMPTRTpakken represents the practical packaging of these RT patches for users seeking deterministic behavior in Linux-based systems.