hardwaretimed

Hardwaretimed is a Linux kernel module that provides a high-resolution timing interface to userspace. It allows applications to access precise timing information from the hardware clock, enabling more accurate measurements and synchronization. This module is particularly useful for real-time applications, scientific computing, and high-frequency trading systems where microsecond-level accuracy is crucial.

The primary function of hardwaretimed is to expose the system's hardware clock counter through a device file, typically /dev/hardwaretimed. Userspace programs can then read from this file to obtain the current value of the hardware clock. The module also offers features such as calibration, allowing users to determine the clock's frequency and offset, which is essential for converting raw counter values into meaningful time units.

Hardwaretimed is designed to be lightweight and efficient, minimizing overhead on the system. It leverages the CPU's time-stamp counter (TSC) or other high-resolution hardware timers available on different architectures. The module's architecture ensures that access to the hardware clock is synchronized and safe, preventing race conditions. Developers can use hardwaretimed to implement sophisticated timing mechanisms, such as precise event scheduling, performance profiling, and inter-process synchronization with minimal latency. Its integration into the Linux kernel makes it a readily available tool for systems requiring advanced timing capabilities.