A Real-Time Programmer's Tour of General-Purpose L4 Microkernels. (30th October 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ruocco, Sergio
• Other Names: Crespo Alfons Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: EURASIP journal on embedded systems. Volume 2008(2008)
• Publication Date: 2007-10-30
• Subjects: Embedded computer systems -- Periodicals; Systèmes enfouis (Informatique); Embedded computer systems; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 006.22
• DOI: 10.1155/2008/234710
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-3955

Abstract

Abstract : L4-embedded is a microkernel successfully deployed in mobile devices with soft real-time requirements. It now faces the challenges of tightly integrated systems, in which user interface, multimedia, OS, wireless protocols, and even software-defined radios must run on a single CPU. In this paper we discuss the pros and cons of L4-embedded for real-time systems design, focusing on the issues caused by the extreme speed optimisations it inherited from its general-purpose ancestors. Since these issues can be addressed with a minimal performance loss, we conclude that, overall, the design of real-time systems based on L4-embedded is possible, and facilitated by a number of design features unique to microkernels and the L4 family.