RTDenheter

RTDenheter are modular units designed to enable real-time decision making in distributed systems. They function as autonomous decision modules capable of collecting data, running processing or inference, and issuing actions. The term is used across engineering disciplines to describe either hardware-like devices or software components that share common input, processing, and output interfaces. RTDenheter are typically designed to operate under deterministic timing constraints and can be deployed at the edge, in the data center, or across a hybrid topology.

Core architecture: Each RTDenhet typically includes input adapters, a decision engine (which may implement control rules, optimization, or machine learning models), a real-time communication stack, and an actuator or command interface. The components are designed for modularity, so a unit can be replaced or upgraded without disrupting the broader system. Deterministic execution paths and observability are emphasized to support debugging and safety verification.

Connectivity: RTDenheter can be networked to form larger systems. Orchestration layers manage composition, redundancy, timing budgets, and fault handling. Real-time middleware and standard protocols such as MQTT, OPC UA, or DDS are commonly used to facilitate interoperability.

Applications: They are used in robotics for control loops, in industrial automation for process coordination, in smart grids for demand response, in autonomous vehicles for local decision making, and in emergency response systems for rapid deployment of rules-based actions.

Standards and development: There is no single universal standard for RTDenheter, though best practices emphasize security, verifiability, and deterministic latency. Open-source implementations and reference architectures exist to support education and development. The design focus is on reliability, scalability, and safety.

See also: RTOS, real-time computing, edge computing, networked control systems.