Logically Synchronous Models of Distributed Systems with Explicit Timing Specifications

Patricia Derler, Edward A. Lee, Michael Zimmer
Abstract:
Globally asynchronous, locally synchronous (GALS) has become the standard model of computation (MoC) for designing distributed software systems. Essentially, distributed components are each internally synchronous, but operate in different clock domains and communicate with other components asynchronously. Advances in clock synchronization mechanisms, supported by the increasing availability of clock synchronization implementations, allow for establishing a common notion of time across distributed platforms. We therefore advocate for a synchronous model of computation for the distributed system as a whole, assuming synchronized clocks. The paper discusses such a MoC called Ptides (Programming Temporally Integrated Distributed Embedded Systems). A Ptides model explicitly describes platform independent time delays within and across distributed components.
Keywords:
distributed systems, synchronous systems, model of computation, clock synchronization
Download:
IMEKO-TC4-2014-321.pdf
DOI:
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Event details
IMEKO TC:
TC4
Event name:
TC4 Symposium 2014
Title:

20th IMEKO TC4 Symposium on Measurements of Electrical Quantities (together with 18th TC4 International Workshop on ADC and DCA Modeling and Testing, IWADC)
"Research on Electrical and Electronic Measurement for the Economic Upturn"

Place:
Benevento, ITALY
Time:
15 September 2014 - 17 September 2014