Using Distributed Microprocessor Systems In Marine Applications

Microprocessor technology is appearing more often in all forms of offshore instrumentation and systems. Typically, this instrumentation must operate in real time and meet strict throughput and environmental specifications. As real time, offshore, processing requirements place heavier demands on single CPU processing centers the benefits of distributing the workload amongst several CPUs becomes increasingly attractive. An incompletely developed distributed architecture, however, may not provide the expected level of performance desired. A clear understanding of design tradeoffs and implementation considerations is required to ensure a successful implementation. This paper outlines the basic components of distributed systems, such a processors, operating systems, languages, interprocessor communications and the design decisions which effect bus loading, reliability, design flexibility, concurrent task scheduling and ease of software development. Two specific application examples, both using a distributed computer system, are presented, one in the navigation field and the other an untethered, unmanned vehicle control system.