Time-Triggered Communication

Book excerpt: Time-Triggered Communication helps readers build an understanding of the conceptual foundation, operation, and application of time-triggered communication, which is widely used for embedded systems in a diverse range of industries. This book assembles contributions from experts that examine the differences and commonalities of the most significant protocols including: TTP, FlexRay, TTEthernet, SAFEbus, TTCAN, and LIN. Covering the spectrum, from low-cost time-triggered fieldbus networks to ultra-reliable time-triggered networks used for safety-critical applications, the authors illustrate the inherent benefits of time-triggered communication in terms of predictability, complexity management, fault-tolerance, and analytical dependability modeling, which are key aspects of safety-critical systems. Examples covered include FlexRay in cars, TTP in railway and avionic systems, and TTEthernet in aerospace applications. Illustrating key concepts based on real-world industrial applications, this book: Details the underlying concepts and principles of time-triggered communication Explores the properties of a time-triggered communication system, contrasting its strengths and weaknesses Focuses on the core algorithms applied in many systems, including those used for clock synchronization, startup, membership, and fault isolation Describes the protocols that incorporate presented algorithms Covers tooling requirements and solutions for system integration, including scheduling The information in this book is extremely useful to industry leaders who design and manufacture products with distributed embedded systems based on time-triggered communication. It also benefits suppliers of embedded components or development tools used in this area. As an educational tool, this material can be used to teach students and working professionals in areas including embedded systems, computer networks, system architectures, dependability, real-time systems, and automotive, avionics, and industrial control systems.