CoE165 2024 Assignment 02
Contents
CoE165 Assignment 2
Reading Assignment
- E. A. Lee, "Cyber Physical Systems: Design Challenges," 2008 11th IEEE International Symposium on Object and Component-Oriented Real-Time Distributed Computing (ISORC), Orlando, FL, USA, 2008, pp. 363-369, doi: 10.1109/ISORC.2008.25.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/4519604
Abstract
Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are integrations of computation and physical processes. Embedded computers and networks monitor and control the physical processes, usually with feedback loops where physical processes affect computations and vice versa. The economic and societal potential of such systems is vastly greater than what has been realized, and major investments are being made worldwide to develop the technology. There are considerable challenges, particularly because the physical components of such systems introduce safety and reliability requirements qualitatively different from those in general-purpose computing. Moreover, physical components are qualitatively different from object-oriented software components. Standard abstractions based on method calls and threads do not work. This paper examines the challenges in designing such systems, and in particular raises the question of whether today's computing and networking technologies provide an adequate foundation for CPS. It concludes that it will not be sufficient to improve design processes, raise the level of abstraction, or verify (formally or otherwise) designs that are built on today's abstractions. To realize the full potential of CPS, we will have to rebuild computing and networking abstractions. These abstractions will have to embrace physical dynamics and computation in a unified way.
Questions to be Answered
- The paper talks about abstractions in relation to designing CPS. What are abstractions? Why are abstractions important? Cite an example where you have used abstractions or levels of abstractions before in the context of computer engineering.
- You might find this useful: https://medium.com/@danieljyoo/levels-of-abstraction-a-key-concept-in-systems-design-7fdb33d288af
- The paper also describes the failure of abstractions in the context of CPS. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
- Do not forget to add your name and student number at the top of the page.
- Limit your answers to a maximum of 3000 characters (roughly a 1 page PDF file), not including your name and student number, references, and/or figures.
Submission
- Deadline:
- Tuesday, September 3, 5pm.
- Late submissions are not allowed, and will get a score of zero.
- Submission link:
