timedriven

Timedriven, also called time-driven, describes systems, processes, or architectures in which actions are initiated by time rather than by external events. In a timedriven design, tasks execute at predefined times or regular intervals based on a clock, timer, or schedule. This is often contrasted with event-driven systems, where responses are driven primarily by external stimuli such as user input or sensor events.

In practice, timedriven approaches are common in real-time and embedded systems, industrial automation, digital signal processing, data acquisition, batch processing, and multimedia applications. Time-triggered scheduling provides determinism: worst-case timing analysis and strict deadlines are feasible because task activation is predictable. Many control loops, periodic sampling routines, and scheduled maintenance tasks exemplify time-driven behavior.

Key considerations include choosing appropriate scheduling models (for example, fixed-period tasks, rate-monotonic, or earliest-deadline-first schemes), ensuring sufficient timer resolution, and addressing clock synchronization in distributed systems. Designers must also manage clock drift, jitter, and the potential inefficiency of idle time if tasks finish early or run infrequently.

Advantages of timedriven systems include predictability, repeatability, and easier verification for timing requirements. Drawbacks can include reduced responsiveness to irregular events, inflexibility in dynamic environments, and greater complexity in maintaining accurate time references across components.

Related concepts include time-triggered architecture, time-triggered protocols, and traditional cron-like scheduled execution. Timedriven designs are often evaluated for their timing guarantees and suitability for applications requiring strict temporal determinism.