On Mon, 1 Oct 2001, Norm Dresner wrote:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Iwo Mergler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Sent: Monday, October 01, 2001 4:09 AM
> Subject: Re: [rtl] RT-Linux patch proposal for RTF size
> queryage
>
>
> >
> > Sorry for intruding in this discussion, but I would like
> > to lobby in favour of the fifo_size function. :^)
> >
> > I have a real-world example here which requires a way to
> > read the fill level of a fifo. I solved it by adding the
> > function (macro) myself, but I would feel more
> comfortable
> > to use the official release.
> >
> > My hardware is capable of changing the data transfer rate
> on
> > request, but there is a long latency involved in this. At
> > the time the fifo write fails, it is too late. In my
> case,
> > I use the fifo fill level to smoothly change the rate of
> > the data transfer, allowing enough time for the hardware
> > to adjust.
> >
> > Another, less serious benefit of fifo_size is the
> coolness
> > factor of having /proc/mydriver return "FIFO 34% full".
> :^)
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Iwo
> > -- [rtl] ---
>
>     First, there's no need to apologize for adding another
> voice to an intellectual discussion -- the more points of
> view that are represented the more likely it is that all
> concerned will make the best decisions.
>     Second, please don't interpret what I said as meaning
> that a FIFO-fullness function is worthless.  I have myself
> hacked up an older version of RTLinux to make certain
> normally internal FIFO routine variables public so I could
> in fact do just that.  What I was saying was that in the
> most general setting it's worthless because of the
> multi-tasking (or SMP) nature of the processing.  I tried

Just use spin-locks.  To say its entirely worthles, might, in my opinions
be a bit strongly dismissive.

> to indicate that in certain controlled conditions like my
> particular system I could guarantee that only two tasks
> would ever use any one FIFO.  The problem I see for that is
> if someone else comes along to take up maintenance on my
> system and doesn't fully appreciate the dangers then that
> person could use the added features in an unsafe manner.

What is unsafe about this feature?

>     For particular systems it is a very worthwhile feature
> which is IMO worthless in general.  But unlike Victor and
> company most of us are not in the business of writing
> completely general software, we're only using RTLinux to
> solve particular problems, each with its own unique
> architectural features.
>     CAVEAT EMPTOR.
>
>     Norm
>
>
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