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

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IMEKO-TC4-2014-321.pdf

DOI

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IMEKO TC

TC4 - Measurement of Electrical Quantities

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