The distributed time-triggered simulation scheme facilitated by TMO programming

Real time simulation is an advanced mode of simulation in which the simulator components are designed to show essentially the same timing behavior that the simulation targets do. Distributed real time simulation is a field in its infancy but its practice is under increasing demands. In recent years the author and his collaborators have been establishing a new approach called the distributed time triggered simulation (DTS) scheme which is conceptually simple and easy to use but widely applicable. The concept was initiated in the course of developing a new-generation object oriented real time programming scheme called the time triggered message triggered object (TMO) programming scheme. Some fundamental issues inherent in distributed real time simulation and major design principles and implementation techniques for resolving those issues within the DTS framework are presented. This technical foundation has been identified through multiple major DTS experiments conducted over the years. Some issues that require further research to realize the full potentials of the DTS scheme are also discussed