Flexible distributed automation systems with FASA

Abstract

The advent of multicore CPUs in automation raises some challenges for software engineering. On the one hand, existing hardware should be optimally used. On the other hand, strict real-time requirements must be satisfied by parallel software. At the same time, systems should remain flexible to be able to react quickly to changing system requirements. Fasa is a component-based architecture and execution environment for modular, dynamic automation systems with multicore CPUs and distributed execution. Fasa simplifies the deterministic distributed execution of applications and offers novel features such as software-based fault tolerance and software updates during runtime as transparent and easy-to-use services for application developers.