A static scheduler for the computer aided prototyping system: an implementation guide

Abstract

As demand for hard real-time and embedded computer systems increases, a new approach to software development is critical. Software engineers and users would benefit from an automated methodology allowing validation of design specifications or functional requirements early in the development life cycle. A fast, efficient, easy-to-use tool would increase productivity and would enhance user confidence that software would be delivered at less cost and on schedule. The Computer Aided Prototyping System (CAPS) is a conceptualized tool providing these capabilities. This thesis represents a pioneering effort to develop a Static Scheduler for the CAPS Execution Support System using the Ada programming language. The Static Scheduler initially extracts critical operators, timing constraints and precedence relationships from a high-level prototype source program. The Static Scheduler then creates a static schedule for run-time execution, using worst case scenarios, guaranteeing that timing constraints are met. The primary goal of this thesis is to provide the scheduling algorithms and implementation guidelines for the Static Scheduler. Secondary goals are to demonstrate the significance of continued research to telecommunications applications and to demonstrate the feasibility of Ada as the implementation language.