Core resource management for large real-time computer program development

Abstract

Large-scale real-time computer programs designed to drive major military systems regularly invoke astronomical requirements for core memory in their embedded computers. On the other hand, space and weight constraints in ships, aircraft, and land-based mobile units exert a strong counterforce to restrict the number and size of the computers. These contrasting demands underscore the critical need for aggressive control of core resources throughout the computer program development cycle for major weapon systems. This paper describes a n approach to core resource management that has been applied successfully on a typical major system, the Navy's AEGIS Ship Combat System. The core management process begins in the system definition stage with estimates of computer program size based on system performance requirements, program architecture, and computer capability, plus knowledge of program requirements of similar operational systems. The estimating process iterates throughout development, and includes a budget of core reserves for anticipated growth. Stringent monitoring and control, invoked during the design and test stages, include both formal milestone reviews and frequent internal status reviews. Because the cost of program development invariably becomes a critical issue, a special algorithm was developed as a means of predicting and controlling development costs.