An efficient semaphore implementation scheme for small-memory embedded systems

Abstract

In object-oriented programming, updates to the state variables of objects (by the methods of the object) have to be protected through semaphores to ensure mutual exclusion. Semaphore operations are invoked each time an object is accessed, and this represents significant run-time overhead. This is of special concern in cost-conscious, small-size embedded systems-such as those used in automotive applications-where costs must be kept to an absolute minimum. Object-oriented programming can be feasible in such applications only if the OS provides efficient, low-overhead semaphores. The authors present a new semaphore implementation scheme which saves one context switch per semaphore lock operation in most circumstances and gives performance improvements of 18-25% over traditional semaphore implementation schemes.