A real-time system is a system that must provide a response in a specified time interval. The response of the system should be spontaneous with the input signal.
Based on the speed of response, real-time systems are classified into Soft Real-time systems, Hard Real-time systems and Firm Real-time systems.
Soft real-time systems prioritize the correctness of the results but can tolerate occasional missed deadlines or slight delays without causing significant harm to the system or the user. These systems are known for their lower cost, greater flexibility, and user-friendliness. An example of a soft real-time system is social media applications that need to process and display user-generated content in real time to provide a responsive and engaging user experience.
Hard real-time systems prioritize meeting strict deadlines and cannot tolerate any missed deadlines. These systems are crucial in critical applications where a delay or a missed deadline could result in catastrophic failure or harm to human life. An example of a hard real-time system is air traffic control systems that need to respond quickly and accurately to aircraft movements and prevent collisions.
Firm real-time systems have characteristics of both soft and hard real-time systems. These systems have critical deadlines, but a small number of missed deadlines can be tolerated without causing significant harm. An example of a firm real-time system is transportation systems such as trains or subways, which need to meet strict deadlines to ensure that the transportation is on schedule. While a small delay can be tolerated, too many delays could result in a sign.
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An Article by: Yashwanth Naidu Tikkisetty
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