Embedded Real-time Network Communication Technology Research

Embedded system has been introduced into more and more application areas for its inherent characteristics such as high reliability, small cubage and low costs nowadays. However, defects of a single embedded system have also exposed gradually within appliance. New generation of embedded computing system mostly features at functionality integration and embedded network computing, which promotes more attention and interesting into real-time network communication between embedded systems.In comparison with general network, several requirements must be taken into account in embedded network communication. On considering those requirements, this thesis lists current research method in construction of real-time network and points out their advantage and disadvantages respectively. Finally, a complete solution has been brought forward and into reality on real-time network construction based on Ethernet.Main research efforts and achievements are spread out as follows:1. Selection of lower network platform. Sharing Ethernet was chosen as lower platform as a result of taking compatibility of TCP/IP and harmony with practical appliance into account.2. Design of network communicating middleware. In order to overcome in collision of transport media access, a network middleware based on RTCC protocol should be built up, through which real-time communication can be achieved. Also the middleware will provide network communication service and APIs for each network node.3. Accomplishment of middleware based on RTCC protocol. The function described above has been implemented in Linux operating system. Key data structure, program flows designed for promotion of differentiated classes of service, scheduling algorithms and specification of API have been narrated in addition.4. Performance analysis and testing of RTCC protocol. Testing on common parameters of network communication has been performed before analysis of testing result and calculating result, which proved the applicability of RTCC protocol to practical appliance.