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Abstract

This thesis describes the development of software and monitoring techniques for multiprocessor systems, and their implementation in a particular closely coupled microprocessor system designed for real time applications. The work attempts to reconcile the solutions of interdependent hardware and software problems arising in the design of such systems. It was particularly directed towards investigation of processor coupling, which was seen as a major contributory factor in the extent of contention between processors for the use of shared resources, and hence system degradation.
A non-invasive hardware monitor, controlled by a separate processor, was developed which has the capability of monitoring runtime sequences of millions of instructions in systems of concurrent processes. The accuracy and scale of the monitoring permits analysis of concurrent systems in real time units of microseconds.
A flexible software model of wide general applicability has been developed and programmed according to rigorous high level programming language constructs. The model has been particularly designed to allow variable processor coupling so that the effect of coupling on contention and degradation within the system can be assessed by monitoring.
Realisations of the software model were implemented on a dual F100-L processor system. The concept of optimal points (at which maximum potentially useful work can be extracted from the system) has been established and a method for determining such points developed. Monitor measurements allowed the extent of contention (both hardware and software) within the system to be assessed, and the software overhead due to synchronisation to be evaluated. As a result of these Measurements, the percentage processor degradation is obtained by comparison of single and dual processor implementations of the software model and the suitability of the F100-L system for multiprocessing is considered.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Computer software
Departments:	School of Science & Technology School of Science & Technology > Department of Computer Science School of Science & Technology > School of Science & Technology Doctoral Theses

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