Real-time Performance across the Factory Floor

Next generation processors continue to push the performance envelope. It seems the price continues to drop while the processing speeds increase with each new processor release. I recall discussions not that long ago in which the future utility of real-time operating systems and middleware were being bantered about as if they were not going to be required going forward. After all with each subsequent new processor released executing faster then it’s predecessor wouldn’t the obvious conclusion be at some point a general purpose operating system and stack on a really fast processor would be good enough? I suspect in many circles that conversation is probably still ensuing. However, when it comes to many industrial control applications, the need for real time performance does not appeared to have receded, and RTOS’s with middleware continue to play an important role.  

I continue this conversation on my blog, read it here: Real-time Performance across the Factory Floor