HARTOS: a distributed real-time operating system

ABSTRACT

This paper outlines the design objectives and research goals for HARTOS, a distributed real-time operating system being developed at The University of Michigan. This effort is part of a larger research project to design and implement an experimental distributed real-time system called the Hexagonal Architecture for Real-Time Systems (HARTS). An important feature of HARTS is the use of an intelligent network processor to handle many of the functions relating to communications. The paper focuses on the communications aspects of the operating system and the control software kernel of the network processor. The preliminary version of the kernel provides good support for inter-process communication and distributed control. Its performance has been measured and analyzed and found to be comparable to that of other message passing systems like the V system.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.1 PROCESSOR ARCHITECTURES
      C.1.2 Multiple Data Stream Architectures (Multiprocessors)
          Subjects: Interconnection architectures (e.g., common bus, multiport memory, crossbar switch)

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

  D. Software
  D.4 OPERATING SYSTEMS
      D.4.7 Organization and Design
          Subjects: Distributed systems

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Performance