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Use of synchronous concurrent algorithms in the development of safety related software. / Adam James Tacy

Swansea University Author: Adam James Tacy

Abstract

This thesis investigates the use of Synchronous Concurrent Algorithms (SCAs) in the development of safety related software, where a stricter adherence to mathematical correctness is required. The original model of SCAs is extended to produce abstract and concrete dynamic SCAs (dSCAs) that allow dyna...

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Published: 2005
Institution: Swansea University
Degree level: Doctoral
Degree name: Ph.D
URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa42576
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Abstract: This thesis investigates the use of Synchronous Concurrent Algorithms (SCAs) in the development of safety related software, where a stricter adherence to mathematical correctness is required. The original model of SCAs is extended to produce abstract and concrete dynamic SCAs (dSCAs) that allow dynamic, but predictable, SCAs to be produced whose wiring maybe different at different values of a program counter. A relaxed implementation of the Generalised Railroad Crossing Problem is used to demonstrate each of the SCA models. SCAs were originally defined by Tucker and Thompson and were restricted to unit-delays between modules. Hobley investigated the introduction of non-unit delay SCAs and how non-unit delay SCAs may be represented as unit delay SCAs. Poole, Tucker and Thompson introduced the concept of hierarchies of Spatially Expanded Systems, of which SCAs are a form. All of these tools are used and expanded upon in this thesis to provide a mechanism enabling an SCA representation of an algorithm to be transformed into an SCA representation of a computing device that implements that algorithm, and to be able to demonstrate correctness. As each SCA model can be represented algebraically, this thesis provides the transformations as meta-algebras, i.e. algebras that can transfrom one algebra to another algebra.
Keywords: Computer science.
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering