Reflective memory

Reflective Memory is a means to share common data between different and independent systems deterministically. Such systems using a common reflective memory form a reflective memory network which is a deterministic one, when any system of the network acquired data and writes it to its local memory, such data is written locally to all other systems, this behaviour is like a dual-ported memory system. Reflective memory networks are real-time local area networks which each device or computer has always a local up-to-date copy of the shared data set. These networks are designed for highly deterministic data communications delivering tightly timed performance required on distributed control systems or simulations. Reflective memory technology are focused to applications were determinism, simplicity for implementation and lack of software overhead are very important considerations.

Usually reflective memory devices are connected together by means of fibber optic. It is commonly used with Real-Time operating systems, VXI and other platforms. A company owned by GE and Fanuc as well as National Instruments Inc., have created reflective memory solutions.

An example of reflective memory application is the Large Binocular Telescope, where it has been reported that each subsystem of the telescope control system includes ethernet connection for reflective memory [1].

External links

• Reflective Memory
• What is Reflective Memory and Where do I go for Support?

Reference

• [1] J. M. Hill et al, The Large Binocular Telescope, Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, 08/2008; DOI: 10.1117/12.790065