The Evolution of Real-Time Programming Revisited: Programming the Giotto Model in Ada 2005

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Abstract

Kirsch and Segunupta in a recent paper have argued that several generations of real-time programming models for use in digital control systems can be identified: the Physical-Execution Time (PET) model, the Bounded-Execution-Time (BET) model, the Zero-Execution Time (ZET) model and the Logical-Execution-Time (LET) model. They classify Ada as belonging to the BET model and claim that a LET model, as supported by the Giotto language, is superior. Whilst historically one can recognise different approaches to programming real-time systems, this paper refutes the argument that general-purpose real-time languages like Ada (or Real-Time Java) neatly slot into a BET model. Instead, we suggest that the real issue that the LET model addresses is the ability of a programming model to give composable abstractions that allow programs to have bounded input and output jitter. Languages like Ada (and many real-time operating systems) have mechanisms that easily allow this to be achieved. Using Ada as an example, we show two different ways. Each of which has advantages and disadvantages.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages196-207
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

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