Real-Time Embedded Systems Theory and Analysis

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/real-time-embedded-theory-analysis

Introduction

### Course Review: Real-Time Embedded Systems Theory and Analysis **Overview:** If you're looking to deepen your understanding of real-time embedded systems, the Coursera course "Real-Time Embedded Systems Theory and Analysis" is an exceptional choice, particularly for those pursuing advanced degrees in electrical engineering. Offered as ECEA 5316 through CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering program, this course aims to equip learners with a robust mathematical framework and practical skills necessary for real-time systems design and analysis. **Course Content:** The course takes a comprehensive approach by delving into the intricacies of scheduling policies and feasibility determination for real-time systems, analyzed both through mathematical derivation and practical implementation. Below, I breakdown the key modules: 1. **Real-Time Scheduling and Rate Monotonic Least Upper Bound Derivation**: This foundational module introduces learners to the Rate Monotonic Least Upper Bound condition. Participants will engage in detailed mathematical analysis, tackling challenges associated with this condition, and exploring alternatives such as Deadline Monotonic Scheduling Policy. The hands-on programming assignments in this module present an opportunity to understand system-level implementations of real-time services while determining optimal scheduling policies to meet design deadlines. 2. **Service Design Feasibility Analysis Practice and Methods of Implementation**: In this module, the course shifts focus to real-time services design patterns. You will gain insights into common implementation challenges (such as unbounded blocking) and the intricacies of service synchronization between interrupt service routines (ISRs) and threads. The hands-on aspects of this module ensure you not only comprehend theoretical principles but also their application in real scenarios, addressing initialization, error handling, and maintaining service continuity. 3. **Dynamic Priority Earliest Deadline First and Least Laxity First**: This segment thoroughly addresses the advantages and disadvantages of dynamic priority policies, especially in soft real-time contexts. You will learn about the complexities of feasibility determination and efficiency when juxtaposing dynamic against fixed priority scheduling methods. This module is vital for those preparing to handle both theoretical and practical aspects of real-time system constraints. 4. **Synchronization and Bounded vs. Unbounded Blocking**: The final module dives deep into resource management beyond just CPU time, focusing on memory, I/O, and storage concerns. Here, learners will identify potential pitfalls of resource contention and develop strategies to avoid or recover from them—all essential skills for any embedded systems engineer. **Recommendation:** I highly recommend "Real-Time Embedded Systems Theory and Analysis" for anyone serious about mastering the complexities of real-time embedded systems. The course is tailored for students in electrical engineering, yet it is accessible enough for professionals looking to refresh or expand their expertise. With its rigorous, mathematically-based structure combined with hands-on programming assignments, the course strikes a perfect balance between theory and practice. Furthermore, the collaboration with CU Boulder adds credibility and depth to the educational experience. To maximize your learning, I suggest dedicating ample time for the programming assignments; they are where the theoretical knowledge truly comes to life. Engage actively in discussion forums, as peer interactions can enhance your understanding and provide diverse perspectives on real-world applications. In conclusion, whether you are pursuing academic credit or merely seeking to enhance your knowledge in the field, this course stands out as a robust educational opportunity that will undoubtedly prepare you for the challenges in the realm of real-time embedded systems.

Syllabus

Real-Time Scheduling and Rate Monotonic Least Upper Bound Derivation

At the end of this module, you will be able to analyze the mathematics involved in Rate Monotonic Least Upper Bound Condition along with its challenges and alternatives to it. An extension to RM scheduling policy i.e. Deadline Monotonic Scheduling Policy along with implementation of completion test for determining exact feasibility for Rate Monotonic Scheduling policy is also in scope of this module. Working on Programming assignments will give system level implementation of real time services and determining the best scheduling policies for meeting the deadlines for the designed real-time systems along with their trade offs.

At the end of this module learners will be able to describe the design pattern for real-time services, describe implementation challenges such as unbounded blocking and describe normal operation - request for service synchronization between an ISR and each thread or task, initialization, keep-alive posting, error handling, and termination.

At the end of this Module learners will know when to use dynamic priority policies, advantages of them for soft real-time, disadvantages for error detection and recovery, challenges of feasibility determination and efficiency compared to fixed priority.

At the end of this Module learners will be able to describe issues with resources used beyond CPU (memory, I/O, and storage) and how to avoid problems or recover from them