Real-time computing is computer processing in which the system must produce an output within a defined time after an input. Real-time computing is the computer science term for hardware and software systems subject to a real-time constraint, for example, from event to system response. The response window is set by the user. In many cases, the response time is in microseconds.
Real-time computing differs from general-purpose computing because the timing of the result matters as much as the result itself. A system that returns a correct answer too late has failed its task. Real-time computing refers to processing data with minimal delay, often at the millisecond level, to give immediate responses. It involves real-time data collection, analysis, and query services for time-sensitive applications.
Key Requirements
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Low and predictable latency: The output arrives within the defined period, every time.
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Fast data handling: Input is collected, analysed and acted on with minimal delay.
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Stable operation: The system keeps running under continuous load.
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Response time | Output within a user-defined period after input |
| Data handling | Collection, analysis and query with minimal delay |
| Typical timescale | Microseconds to milliseconds |
Uses and Applications
Real-time computing is used where a late response has a cost. Examples include machine control on factory floors, online trading platforms that must register transactions in microseconds to guarantee a price, and healthcare monitoring. Video calling also depends on real-time processing.
Thinvent Products for Real-Time Computing
The Thinvent range does not include a real-time operating system. The range includes Intel Core i7, i5 and i3 processors, Intel Celeron and Intel N-series processors, AMD Ryzen 5, and ARM Cortex A53 processors. Thinvent's Industrial PC IPC5 models use Intel Core i5-1240P and Core i7-1255U processors with up to 64GB DDR4 RAM and up to 1TB SSD storage, and run Windows 11 IoT Value or Ubuntu Linux. The IPC3 runs Ubuntu Linux on an Intel Core i3-1215U. The Micro 5R Thin Client uses an ARM Cortex A53 processor with 2GB onboard RAM and runs Thinux embedded Linux.
