Embedded systems are characterized by an optimized resource usage. This is caused by the usage of less powerful processors, limited memory capacity and restricted communication resources. In conjunction with resource sharing of tasks and messages, the response times of applications are extended and vary in a certain range.

Digital control systems, in which the computational part is distributed over multiple resources are called networked control systems (NCS). For the design of a NCS, platform-specific delay effects need to be considered. Otherwise the control performance is degraded or even may cause catastrophic instabilities. Domains for such safety critical control systems are the automotive domain, aerospace technologies as well as mechanical and plant engineering.

An open problem when developing a NCS, is the integrated design of the control functionality and its platform. Further more there are no models and no analysis methods for the implementation of NCS. Aim of this research work is to analyze the impact of delay effects on the controller performance and stability. The development of a design flow that brings together controller design with platform analysis methods will result in more efficient system designs.

Florian Hock