TTP - A time-triggered protocol for fault-tolerant real-time systems

The Time-Triggered Protocol (TTP), which is intended for use in distributed real-time control applications that require a high dependability and guaranteed timeliness, is discussed. It integrates all services that are required in the design of a fault-tolerant real-time system, such as predictable message transmission, message acknowledgment in group communication, clock synchronization, membership, rapid mode changes, redundancy management, and temporary blackout handling. It supports fault-tolerant configurations with replicated nodes and replicated communication channels. TTP provides these services with a small overhead so it can be used efficiently on twisted pair channels as well as on fiber optic networks.