Real-Time Systems
Scheduling, Analysis, and Verification
Chapter One
INTRODUCTION
The correctness of many systems and devices in our modern society depends not
only on the effects or results they produce but also on the time at which these results
are produced. These real-time systems range from the anti-lock braking controller in
automobiles to the vital-sign monitor in hospital intensive-care units. For example,
when the driver of a car applies the brake, the anti-lock braking controller analyzes
the environment in which the controller is embedded (car speed, road surface, direction
of travel) and activates the brake with the appropriate frequency within fractions
of a second. Both the result (brake activation) and the time at which the result is
produced are important in ensuring the safety of the car, its driver, and passengers.
Recently, computer hardware and software are increasingly embedded in a majority
of these real-time systems to monitor and control their operations. These
computer systems are called embedded systems, real-time computer systems, or
simply real-time systems. Unlike conventional, non-real-time computer systems,
real-time computer systems are closely coupled with the environ ... read full excerpt from Real-Time Systems: Scheduling, Analysis, and Verification ebook
