Real-time Lab Administration Guide

The Real-time Lab is used by students taking courses in CS 452/652 where students design and implement a real-time multi-tasking operating system using the tools and techniques of real-time programming for embedded systems. Implementation uses cross-compilation for an ARM-based system-on-chip. The operating system then supports an application program involving process control, data acquisition, and communication.

This page serves as an administration guide for CSCF staff supporting the course (although others may find it useful or interesting).

Note: This page is currently under construction. Information may be missing, or may require clarification.

Glossary

Physical Lab Space

The Real-time Lab is located in MC3018 and is restricted to students enrolled in CS 452/652. The lab is locked at all times with a keyfob scanner on the door for staff access, and a mechanical keypad on the door for student access. The code for the keypad changes every term after Assignment 0 (A0) and is given out during the lecture. Students are not to share the code with anyone else.

The lab space features an inner and outer room for debugging/testing. The doors separating the room can be closed to keep noise to a minimum between the rooms.

Outer Room

The outer room for MC3018 features a standard linux nettop lab for software development.

There are also PCs present with Raspberry Pi controllers connected. The purpose of these PCs is to allow students to test and debug their code without taking up an entire train track.

(Note: Add the exact amount of nettop and debugging stations) -- Devon Merner - 2023-09-29

Inner Room (MC3018a)

The inner room for MC3018 features two train tracks with associated Raspberry Pi controllers and PCs. There are two empty tables for future expansion (for a later total of four train tracks).

The inner room is generally noisier due to the nature of the trains. The doors leading to the room can be closed if noise becomes an issue.

Hardware

The Real-time Lab involves specialized hardware for controlling the train tracks and involves train locomotives which are delicate and break often.

Raspberry Pis

The Raspberry Pi is used by the student to test and run their code.

Trains

Maintenance

Nettops

The nettops in this lab are the same as the nettops in our other public labs and run the same software/image. See NettopAdministrationGuide for more details.

Software