AE96 - Real-Time and Distributed Features of Ada 95

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Real-Time and Distributed Features of Ada 95

by Joyce L. Tokar

Ada Technology Officer, Tartan, Inc.
300 Oxford Dr., Monroeville, PA 15146 USA
Phone: +1 (412) 856-3600 - Fax: +1 (412) 856-3636
Email: tokar@tartan.com

Abstract: Ada 83 introduced the concept of a process as a language construct called a task. Interprocess synchronization and communication was achieved through the use of the task rendezvous. This innovative approach generally addressed the real-time communities need for multiprocessing. However, the tight coupling of synchronization and communication introduced an unacceptable amount of execution time overhead. Hence, the use of tasks and rendezvous was limited. In addition, the runtime model was insufficient for distributed processing.
Ada 95 introduces more efficient real-time multiprocessing capabilities; including improved shared data access, asynchronous event processing, and better timing capabilities. Ada 95 also defines packages and procedures to support multiple scheduling models, interrupt handling, and distributed processing.
This tutorial will examine the enhancements to the Ada run-time model including: the protected type, the requeue operation, the asynchronous transfer of control statement, and the delay until statement. It will also address the special purpose features defined in the Systems Programming, Real-Time and Distributed System Annexes.

Background: Tutorial attendees must have knowledge of Ada and the Ada runtime model. In addition, experience with real-time systems.

Biography: Dr. Tokar is a principal member of Tartan's technical staff responsible for addressing issues related to Tartan's technology both with respect to Ada, Ada 95, C/C++ and Tartan's embedded technology. She is a chief runtime designer for the Tartan. In 1992, she was appointed to the DoD's panel of Ada 9X Distinguished Reviewers. She also participates in the SIGAda ARTEWG (Ada Runtime Environment Working Group) and the Ada Rapporteur Group.
Dr. Tokar holds a B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Clemson University.

Abstract:	Ada 83 introduced the concept of a process as a language construct called a task. Interprocess synchronization and communication was achieved through the use of the task rendezvous. This innovative approach generally addressed the real-time communities need for multiprocessing. However, the tight coupling of synchronization and communication introduced an unacceptable amount of execution time overhead. Hence, the use of tasks and rendezvous was limited. In addition, the runtime model was insufficient for distributed processing. Ada 95 introduces more efficient real-time multiprocessing capabilities; including improved shared data access, asynchronous event processing, and better timing capabilities. Ada 95 also defines packages and procedures to support multiple scheduling models, interrupt handling, and distributed processing. This tutorial will examine the enhancements to the Ada run-time model including: the protected type, the requeue operation, the asynchronous transfer of control statement, and the delay until statement. It will also address the special purpose features defined in the Systems Programming, Real-Time and Distributed System Annexes.
Background:	Tutorial attendees must have knowledge of Ada and the Ada runtime model. In addition, experience with real-time systems.
Biography:	Dr. Tokar is a principal member of Tartan's technical staff responsible for addressing issues related to Tartan's technology both with respect to Ada, Ada 95, C/C++ and Tartan's embedded technology. She is a chief runtime designer for the Tartan. In 1992, she was appointed to the DoD's panel of Ada 9X Distinguished Reviewers. She also participates in the SIGAda ARTEWG (Ada Runtime Environment Working Group) and the Ada Rapporteur Group. Dr. Tokar holds a B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Clemson University.

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