The Development of a Course Sequence in Real-Time Systems Design

Abstract

Abstract : This project deals with the development of a senior level course sequence in software intensive real-time systems. The sequence consists of a course in real-time software development, referred to in this report as the software course, followed by a course in hardware development and hardware- software interfacing, referred to in the sequel as the hardware course. The objective of the course sequence is to fill a demand in industry for real-time software engineers. It is aimed at preparing Computer Engineering students with a solid background in both software development and hardware design for an engineering industrial career in real-time systems development. The course sequence emphasizes practical standards, techniques, and tools for system development. Few universities include real-time systems development in their undergraduate Computer Engineering or Computer Science curriculum, forcing engineers to learn real-time methodology on-the-job. Real-time applications are increasing in complexity. Real-time designs have several performance as well as functional constraints, they have longer design cycles and larger project teams. They require more intricate real-time design work such as hardware interfacing, and often use multiprocessors in distributed environments. The growing complexity of real-time designs makes it difficult for an engineer to learn about real-time methodology on-the-job.