Real time networks in configurable distributed systems

Classical approaches to computer programming are firmly rooted in the concept of sequential execution and come under severe strain when faced with distributed multiprocessor configurations. Development methods for use with such configurations must place due emphasis on the inherent communication and concurrency, whilst taking particular care to address performance and integrity issues. The author is concerned with the use of real time networks to solve these problems. Such networks are focused upon in the context of a data interaction architecture (DIA), so called because of the special emphasis on the explicit recognition of the shared data communication which occurs when processes interact. DIA representations are generated during the application of a development process known as the data orientated requirements implementation scheme (DORIS), again emphasising data exchange between processes. The scope of DORIS/DIA is potentially vast, embracing software and hardware aspects of digital system development throughout definition, design and implementation. The author outlines the main concepts and principles of the approach and uses an example to illustrate the more important features of its application