What does "Mixed-criticality Systems" mean?

Table of Contents

• Importance of Heterogeneous Hardware
• Challenges in Execution
• Solutions for Better Task Management
• Real-World Applications

Mixed-criticality systems (MCSs) are computing systems designed to handle tasks with different levels of importance. In these systems, some tasks are critical and must be completed on time to ensure safety, while others are less important and can tolerate some delays.

#Importance of Heterogeneous Hardware

To meet growing demands for processing power, MCSs often use various types of hardware, known as heterogeneous hardware. This means they combine different processors or co-processors to work on various tasks more efficiently.

#Challenges in Execution

A major challenge in MCSs is the way some processors handle tasks. Many of them execute tasks in a continuous flow, which can make it hard to change gears or prioritize tasks effectively. This can lead to situations where less important tasks take priority over critical ones, which can be risky, especially in applications like self-driving cars or industrial machines.

#Solutions for Better Task Management

Recent advancements aim to improve how these systems manage tasks. Some new systems allow for quick switches between tasks without changing the underlying programs or workloads. This helps ensure that critical tasks are handled properly while still making use of the available hardware resources.

#Real-World Applications

MCSs are increasingly important in areas that require safety and reliability, such as automotive systems and robotics. By using dedicated systems that feature multiple processors, these applications can perform better and respond reliably, even when faced with complex tasks.