Description: Execution overhead refers to the additional time and resources required to execute a task beyond its actual processing time. In the context of real-time systems, this overhead can be critical, as these systems are designed to meet strict deadlines and ensure that tasks are completed within a specific timeframe. Overhead can arise from various sources, such as resource management, task scheduling, and inter-process communication. For example, process initialization, interrupt handling, and thread synchronization can contribute to this overhead. A system’s ability to manage execution overhead is essential for maintaining its performance and reliability, especially in applications where time is a crucial factor, such as in industrial control systems, autonomous vehicles, and medical devices. Measuring and minimizing this overhead is fundamental to optimizing system performance and ensuring that real-time requirements are met.
