Modeling DSP operating systems for multimedia applications

Abstract

Real-time scheduling theory attempts to guarantee that a real-time task set will always meet its deadlines. Real-time systems are typically implemented via real-time operating systems (RTOSs). However, there currently exists a wide gap between real-time scheduling theory and the reality of RTOS implementation. Bridging the gap requires effort on two fronts. First, real-time scheduling theory must be extended such that implementation realities may be correctly incorporated. Second, the high level of sophistication required to apply real-time scheduling theory to RTOSs bars practitioners from creating scheduling (timing) models of their operating systems. This paper summarizes recent work on developing an engineering methodology that allows novice users and developers to accurately model and evaluate RTOSs. Specifically, we recount the experiences of a CMU undergraduate class's experience in modeling and analyzing three commercial Digital Signal Processor (DSP) operating systems.