2026-07-03 01:26

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Tags: #computers #history #books #time

Time-based Measurement, Control, and Communication

The systems discussed here are ones that include devices or processes that operate on real-world time. We have historically named these devices "hard real-time systems" because their action meets constraints imposed by application space, rather than by operation of the measurement or control devices.

Examples:

• Measurement
  • Radar systems
  • Electronic engine controls
  • Power generators
  • Heart pacemakers
• Control
  • Printing presses
  • Oil refineries
  • Packaging machines
  • Traffic lights
  • Home heating systems
• Communications
  • Systems that are designed to pass information from source to destination.
  • Inter-satellite laser comms
  • Radio wave relays by ground gateways

Temporal Specification in Systems

In "programming" systems, it is usually difficult or impossible to specify actions based on time.

References

J. C. Eidson, Measurement, Control, and Communication Using IEEE 1588. London, U.K.: Springer, 2006.

Tags:

Computers
History
Books
Time