SinglePDC

SinglePDC is a software framework and reference implementation that provides deterministic, single-threaded digital control for embedded and real-time systems. It is intended to help engineers implement control loops, sensor processing, and actuator interfaces within a single, timing-predictable execution path.

The framework centers on a fixed-cycle control loop, referred to as the PDC cycle, executed at a user-defined period. Within each cycle, input values are sampled, computations are performed, and outputs are updated, all within strict timing constraints. The design emphasizes a small memory footprint, deterministic latency, and simplicity of verification.

It offers a modular runtime with an API for inputs, outputs, and timers, plus a scheduler and a small set of utility components (such as lock-free queues and a deterministic event system). Backends are provided for common microcontrollers and single-board computers, enabling portability across ARM, RISC-V, and x86 targets.

Typical uses include robotics, mechatronic systems, process control, and educational laboratories where predictable timing is essential. By concentrating on a single control loop thread, singlePDC aims to minimize scheduling jitter and simplify real-time analysis compared with multi-threaded approaches.

Limitations include reduced parallelism for workloads that naturally benefit from multi-core processing, potential bottlenecks in very high-bandwidth environments, and the need for careful integration with non-deterministic components. It is best suited for well-contained control tasks with strict timing guarantees.

See also: real-time systems, deterministic scheduling, embedded software frameworks, control theory.