Computer Science, Prifysgol Cymru Aberystwyth University of Wales
CS23110 (1995-96 session)
Small Real-Time Systems
Brief Description
A small real-time system is a computer which directly controls
a larger system, in which it is embedded. This structure, with
direct interaction beween the computer and its physical
environment, contrasts with conventional uses of computers
through the distinctive hardware-software interaction and
multiple control loops. There are special problems for designers
and implementers, which the course addresses.
Aims, Objectives, Syllabus, Booklist
Further Details
- Number of lectures
- 24
- Number of seminars/tutorials
- 4
- Number of practicals
- 0
- Coordinator
- Dr. Fred Long
- Other staff involved
- Not yet known
- Pre-requisites
-
CS15010
,
CS22210
/C220
- Co-requisites
-
CS21020
/C210
- Incompatibilities
- None
- Assessment
- Assessed coursework - 20%
Written exam -
80%
- Timing
- This module is offered only in Semester 2
Aims
To introduce students to the ideas of embedded systems
(through studying small microprocessor-based systems for a wide
range of application areas), and to the techniques used for
developing them (including such systems for safety-related
applications).
Objectives
A student who successfully completes the course should be able
to:
-
identify the wide, and increasing, use of small embedded
systems in domestic, office, transport and industrial process
control applications;
-
specify the desired behaviour of an embedded system,
including its real-time operation and quality
requirements;
-
select appropriate devices, both analogue and digital,
that are used for input and output in embedded systems, with
their interfaces;
-
select an appropriate hardware and software design taking
account of their joint influence on system performance and
dependability;
-
define required characteristics of multi-tasking software,
for use with real-time executive or kernel;
-
recognise their strengths and limitations of methods such
as MASCOT and HOOD for the design of real-time systems, and
associate tools;
-
design a small real-time system in MASCOT;
-
describe an appropriate standard for developing and
checking a safety-related system with justifiable
confidence;
-
discuss the implications and risks of using an embedded
system in a safety-related application.
Syllabus
-
Introduction - 2 Lectures
-
Scope and definitions. Examples.
-
Responding to
the real world - 4 Lectures
-
Hardware and software interaction. Input/output devices and
interfaces. Interrupts and polling; control strategies.
Hardware-software tradeoffs; architectures for real-time.
-
Software structure - 4 Lectures
-
Application tasks and real-time kernels. Scheduling;
resource allocation. Reliability: causes and effects of
mistakes. Relationship between design and programming language.
-
Design principles and practice - 7 Lectures
-
What a design method can and cannot give. MASCOT (Modular
Approach to System Construction, Operation and Testing). Example
and use of MASCOT. HOOD (Hierarchical Object Oriented Design).
Example in HOOD. Impact of performance issues on design.
-
Implementation principles and
practice - 3 Lectures
-
Tools to assist development. Host-target development,
simulation, emulation. Debugging aids, performance monitors.
-
Checking principles and practice - 3 Lectures
-
Validation and Quality Assurance. Safety related systems
and related standards.
-
Revision and
conclusion - 1 Lecture
-
Booklist
Students are likely to need ready access to the following
-
J. E. Cooling.
Software Design for Real-time Systems.
Chapman and Hall, 1991.
-
Caxton C. Foster.
Real-Time Programming - Neglected Topics.
Addison-Wesley, 1981.
-
The official handbook of MASCOT : Version 3.1.
Royal Signals and Radar Establishment, 1987.
-
A. Burns and A. Wellings.
Real-time Systems and their Programming Languages.
Addison Wesley, 1990.
-
Ian C. Pyle.
Developing Safety Systems.
Prentice Hall International, 1991.
- Notes
- The book by Cooling is highly recommended but rather
expensive.
The following should be consulted for different approaches or for further information
-
S. Bennett and G.S. Virk, editors.
Computer Control of Real-time Processes.
Peter Peregrinus, 1990.
-
A. Amghar.
Microprocessor System Development.
Prentice Hall, 1990.
-
Andrews.
Concurrent Programming.
Benjamin Cummings, 1991.
-
Ken Shumate and Marilyn Keller.
Software Specification and Design - A Disciplined Approach for
Real-Time Systems.
Wiley, 1992.
-
Ian Pyle, Michel Lissandre, Peter Hruschka, and Ken Jackson.
Real-Time Systems - Investigating Industrial Practice.
Wiley, 1993.
-
Philip McDowell.
Choosing and Using 4 bit Microcontrollers.
Newnes, Oxford, 1994.
Version 4.1
Syllabus
John Hunt Departmental Advisor
jjh@aber.ac.uk
Dept of Computer Science, UW Aberystwyth (disclaimer)