Introduction and overview

In the last two decades, we have witnessed an explosive growth of real-time and embedded systems being used in our daily life. A real-time system is required to complete its work and deliver its services on a timely basis. In other words, real-time systems have stringent timing requirements that must be met. Examples of real-time systems include digital control, command and control, signal processing, and telecommunication systems. Every day these systems provide us with important services. When we drive, they control the engine and brakes of our car and also regulate traffic lights. When we fly, they schedule and monitor the takeoff and landing of our plane, make it fly, maintain its flight path, and keep it out of harm’s way. When we are sick, they monitor and regulate our blood pressure and heartbeats. When we are well, they entertain us with electronic games and joy rides. When we invest, they provide us with up-to-date stock quotes. Unlike PCs and workstations that run non-real-time applications, such as our editor and network browser, the computers and networks that run real-time applications are often hidden from our view. When real-time systems work correctly and well, they make us forget their existence.