Abstract: Modern processor architectures sacrifice timing predictability for increased average computational throughput. Branch prediction, multi-level memory hierarchies, out-of-order execution, and data forwarding all make accurate execution time predictions impossible. As accurate timing predictions are required for task scheduling, our goal is the development of a Precision Timed (PRET) processor, along with the inter-process communication methods and operating system services, which remove many of the sources of timing indeterminacy.

Abstract

Modern processor architectures sacrifice timing predictability for increased average computational throughput. Branch prediction, multi-level memory hierarchies, out-of-order execution, and data forwarding all make exact execution timing prediction impossible. As accurate runtime predictions are required for task scheduling, the goal of this research is to develop a Precision Timed (PRET) processor, along with the inter-process communication methods and operating system services, which remove many of the sources of timing indeterminacy.