Logic programs and an experimental architecture for their execution: Oldfield, J VIEE Proc. E Vol 133 No 3 (May 1986) pp 163–167

Abstract

Realtime, multiprocessor embedded systems are one application area where response times, throughput, reliability and fault-tolerance constitute the major design criteria. Hence the distribution and management of the application software is a critical function. A prototype loosely-coupled multiprocessor system has been designed and implemented for use in fault-tolerant realtime applications. This paper discusses the organization and structure of the total system, concentrating in particular on the software requirements of the communication and executive (kernel) functions. The communication system is based on a token passing bus protocol for use with single-board computers connected via a fast parallel bus. The kernel is designed to support functional partitioning of application programs, and can be implemented using standard compilers. No special multiprocessing features are required. Most of the software for this system has been written in modula-2, though assembly language programming has been used in a few specialized areas.