Module Details

Module Code: COMP8026
Title: Real Time Systems
Long Title: Real Time Systems
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2021/22 ( January 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Real-time systems may vary from small embedded systems to very large systems that are distributed. This module covers topics relating to the design and programming of real-time systems. Real-time software is examined, including programming with a real-time operating system.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate the concepts and components that make a system a real-time system.
LO2 Design and evaluate a small real-time system.
LO3 Apply and explain fundamental programming techniques of real-time systems.
LO4 Appraise programming with real-time operating systems and development environments.
LO5 Evaluate how scheduling, reliability and fault tolerance requirements impact the design and programming of a real-time system.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
It is assumed that the student is capable of writing computer programs in a high level language such as C/C++ and has a fundamental knowledge of Operating Systems. Module Real Time Systems I NFQ Level 8 is recommended.
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Real-time Systems
What is a real-time system? How it differs from general purpose systems. Typical applications. Organisation and architecture of real-time programs.
Specification and Design of Real-time Systems
Hardware design, software design, concurrency aspects, requirements specification, HCI specification, design and transition from design to implementation and deployment. Methodologies such as Petri-nets and HRT-HOOD.
Reliability and Fault Tolerance
Reliability, failure, faults, failure modes, fault prevention and fault tolerance. N-version programming. Software dynamic recovery and recovery blocks. Atomic actions, backward error recovery and forward error recovery.
Scheduling
Static versus dynamic scheduling. Modelling for scheduling, cyclic approach, process-based approach, utilisation-based approach, response time analysis. Worst-case execution time. Priority ceiling protocols.
Real-time Operating Systems
The need for real-time operating systems, advantages/disadvantages, timing facilities provided. Structure of a real-time operating system. System call interface.
Case Studies
Examples: controlling a railroad switching yard, mining system, mobile robot navigation in real time, automatic pilot systems, virtual reality systems, household products and appliances.
Real-time Programming Techniques
Sporadic, periodic, protected objects, communication and synchronisation, RTOS services and real-time specific language services.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Real-Time software concepts covered during the early part of the semester.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Final submission of real-time programs developed by students during the early part of the semester.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
Final submission of real-time mini-project developed by students during the latter part of the semester.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Real-Time software concepts covered during the whole module.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab to support learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research on assessment. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab to support learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research on assessment. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Xiaocong Fan. (2015), Real-Time Embedded Systems Design: Principles and Engineering Practices, 1st. Elsevier Inc., [ISBN: 9780128017180].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Alan Burns, Andy Wellings. (2009), Real-Time Systems and Programming Languages: Ada, Real-Time Java and C/Real-Time POSIX, 4th. [ISBN: 9780321417459].
  • Jim Cooling. (2019), Real-time Operating Systems Book 1: The Theory (The engineering of real-time embedded systems), Independent, [ISBN: 9781795340656].
  • Jim Cooling. (2017), Real-time Operating Systems Book 2 - The Practice: Using STM Cube, FreeRTOS and the STM32 Discovery Board: 1 (Engineering of Real-Time Embedded Systems), Independent, [ISBN: 9781973409939].
  • Alan Burns, Andy Wellings. (2016), Analysable Real-Time Systems: Programmed in Ada, 1st. CreateSpace, [ISBN: 9781530265503].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 8 Mandatory