Phoenix, a High-Performance UNIX with an Emphasis on Dynamic Modification, Real-Time Response and Survivability

Abstract

The goal of the Phoenix research project, which is a three year effort, is to develop a high-performance operating system for embedded applications that have a real-time response requirement. The system is to be extremely modular so that it can be easily adapted to meet different performance goals or application restrictions. Phoenix will also support a UNIX-like system call interface for compatibility with government standards. There are currently no UNIX operating systems capable of meeting 'hard' real-time requirements. There are currently no UNIX operating systems that can be easily adapted to meet application requirements. We also will investigate the problems associated with modifying an operating system and application programs remotely without halting the system. For real-time systems, the modifications must be performed in such a way that the unavailability of the system, or particular modules, is minimized. Another aspect of the project is the analysis of operating system construction techniques that minimize the unavailability of the system when a power failure or hardware malfunction occurs and that maximize the ability of a system to 'pick up' where it left off. Other areas of investigation include operating system structuring techniques, better algorithms, and better system interfaces.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 12, 1990
Accession Number
ADA218532

Entities

People

  • Robert P. Cook

Organizations

  • University of Virginia

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Application Software
  • Computer Networks
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computer Science
  • Computers
  • Databases
  • Debugging
  • Education
  • Embedded Systems
  • Military Research
  • Operating Systems
  • Relational Databases
  • Software Development
  • Software Development Tools
  • Standards
  • Trees (Data Structures)

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Database Systems and Applications
  • Software Engineering