Real-Time Programming in C++: Embedded Logic & Systems
Real-time programming is the discipline of building software where correctness depends not only on the result but also on the time at which it is delivered. In C++, this involves mastering deterministic execution, minimizing latency, and managing hardware resources with surgical precision. These skills are the backbone of autonomous vehicles, aerospace systems, and medical devices.
This module provides a rigorous set of C++ systems exercises. You will transition from simple time-tracking to building Finite State Machines (FSM), industrial simulators, and task schedulers that mimic the behavior of a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS).
Engineering Domain Skills:
- Hard vs. Soft Real-Time logic
- High-resolution
chronoclocks - Interrupt Latency simulation
- Asynchronous Event Callbacks
- FSM (Finite State Machines)
- Thread synchronization & Atomics
Real-Time Systems & Control Challenges
| System Challenge | Low-Level Objective |
|---|---|
| Real-Time Clock | Implement high-precision timing using Standard Library clocks for synchronous updates. |
| Countdown Timer | Master blocking vs. non-blocking wait states and main loop execution. |
| Configurable Event Timer | Develop asynchronous callback triggers based on configurable hardware-like interrupts. |
| Temperature Monitoring | Simulate Data Acquisition (DAQ) pipelines for real-time sensor telemetry. |
| Traffic Control System | Architect a Finite State Machine (FSM) to handle critical timing between signal states. |
| Machine Control Simulation | Model industrial PLC-style logic using state transitions and fault detection. |
| Event Notification System | Implement an Observer pattern or event-handler to react to system triggers instantly. |
| Task Scheduler | Build a primitive Real-Time Scheduler to manage execution slices and task periods. |
| Fleet Tracking App | Manage concurrent data streams for multiple objects with real-time status updates. |
| Alarm System Simulation | Design safety-critical response logic for multi-sensor asynchronous alerts. |
Embedded Systems & Deterministic Logic