A Toolkit for Distributed and Parallel Computing in Embedded Systems

Parallel computing is currently undergoing a transition from a niche use to widespread acceptance due to new, computationally intensive applications and multi-core processors. While parallel processing is an invaluable tool for increasing performance, it requires more time and expertise to develop a parallel system than a sequential system requires. This paper discusses a toolkit currently in development that will simplify both the hardware and software development of embedded distributed and parallel systems. The hardware interconnection mechanism uses the Serial Peripheral Interface as a physical medium and provides routing and management services for the system.