A real time system is a computer system and some piece
of hardware which
the computer controls. To control the hardware the computer must
compute results
on a strict time schedule. Such systems can be as simple as an
alarm clock or can be the most complex systems built (or considered),
such as the once-planned strategic defense initiative missile defense system.
Each such system has one or more computers, sensors which monitor events
(snooze-alarm button pressed, ICBM launched), and actuators which
change the real world (beeping stopped for 6 minutes, X-ray lasers aimed and
nuclear bombs detonated [to `pump' lasers]).
Topics Covered
Overview
Conditioning Circuits: Inverting amp, Summing amp, Bridge, etc.
Sensors: Temperature, Light, Pressure, and more.
Counting and Measuring Circuits
Operating System Concepts
Task (Process) Scheduling
Interrupts
Latency Estimation and Real-Time Scheduling
Texts
Recommended: Darold Wobschall, "Circuit Design for Electronic
Instrumentation."
A. Silberschatz and P. Galvin,
"Operating System Concepts" (Fourth Edition).
Other
supplemental material will be placed on reserve in the library.
Grading
40% Midterm Exam.
40% Final Exam. Yes, it's cumulative.
20% Homework. About one assignment every two weeks.
Ooops
Late-homework penalty: 10% per day late deducted.
Missed-midterm-exam policy: at instructor's discretion either a
makeup exam, use final exam grade for midterm grade (i.e., 80%
final exam weight), or--and I hope this never happens--use zero for
midterm grade.
Attendance: optional, however students are responsible
for all material, instructions, and notices
presented in class.
