Real time data network performance evaluation using concurrent finite state machines
Randolph G. Phillips, Hunt A. Sutherland · 2005
Real time computer systems have evolved from being strictly single user minicomputer systems to multiprocessor/multitasking systems. As processor speeds increase and the cost of communications decreases, real time multiprocessor systems are being configured as loosely coupled data networks. Examples include flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), battle management/command communication and control (BW/C/sup 3/) systems, avionic and power systems. These systems are characterized by many concurrently operating processes and processors that must communicate in real time over a data network. The design and analysis of such systems is complex. Both the transient and steady state performance of a "reat time network" must be analyzed. In this paper, a subclass of timed Petri nets, concurrent finite state machines, are used to model and analyze the performance of such systems. A CAD tool, called CFSM (Concurrent Finite State Machine emulator), which is based on this modeling principle, enables the designer to emulate these systems. It is the purpose of this paper to present the CFSM modeling technique and CAD tool and illustrate how a network designer can use the tool to efficiently model and analyze this important and growing class of systems.