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Reliable and Real-Time Communication in the DEAR-COTS Architecture
Ref: HURRAY-TR-0025       Publication Date: 1, Dec, 2000

Abstract:
The DEAR-COTS (Distributed Embedded ARchitecture using Commercial Off-The-Shelf components) architecture is intended to support real-time and reliable Distributed Computer-Controlled Systems (DCCS). It provides a framework where distributed hard real-time applications can be executed, guaranteeing their timing and reliability requirements. In order to support distributed/replicated applications, a reliable and timeliness communication infrastructure based in the Controller Area Network (CAN) is provided. As CAN is known to present some reliability problems, the occurrence of inconsistent message deliveries is prevented by means of provided atomic multicast protocols. This paper presents the DEAR-COTS communication infrastructure, focusing on the provided atomic multicast protocols. These protocols explore the CAN synchronous properties to minimise its run-time overhead, and thus to provide a reliable and timely service to the supported applications. Additionally, a consolidation protocol used to support agreement algorithms is also presented and analysed.

Luis Miguel Pinho

,

Francisco Vasques