Timing Studies of Real-Time Linux for Control

Published

April 1, 2002

Author(s)

Frederick M. Proctor, William P. Shackleford

Abstract

Linux is being used increasingly for real-time control of industrial equipment. Versions of Linux adapted to support deterministic task execution are freely available. The resolution of task timing is much higher than for typical user-level processes, on the order of tens of microseconds. At this level, timing jitter due to hardward effects is visible. This paper describes Linux and real-time Linux, its application for industrial control, and shows the results of some timing studies. Various timing techniques are presented and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. A method for improving timing is presented.

Proceedings Title

Computers and Information in Engineering Conference | 21st |2001 ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, Vol. 1

Conference Dates

September 9-12, 2001

Conference Location

Undefined

Conference Title

Proceedings of the ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

jitter, real-time operating system, servo motor, stepper motor, task scheduling

Citation

Proctor, F. and Shackleford, W. (2002), Timing Studies of Real-Time Linux for Control, Computers and Information in Engineering Conference | 21st |2001 ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, Vol. 1, Undefined, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=823390 (Accessed October 14, 2025)