Detailed design and implementation of the kernel of a real-time distributed multiprocessor operating system

Abstract

This thesis presents the detailed design and implementation of the kernel of a real-time, distributed operating system for a microcomputer based multiprocessor system. Process oriented structure, segmented address spaces and a synchronization mechanism based on eventcounts and sequencers comprise the central concepts around which this operating system is built. the operating system is hierarchically structured, layered in three loop levels of abstraction and fundamentally configuration independent. This design permits the logical distribution of the kernel functions in the address space of each process and the physical distribution of system code and data among the microcomputers. This physical distribution in turn, in a multimicroprocessor configuration will help to minimize system bus contention. The system particularly supports applications where processing is partitioned into a set of multiple interacting asynchronous processes. One such application is that of smart sensor image processing for which this system has been specifically developed. The implementation was developed for the INTEL 86/12A single-board computer using the 8086 processor chip.