Performance measures for multiprocessor controllers

Performance measures to characterize fault tolerant multiprocessors used in the control of critical processes are considered. Our performance indices are based on controller response time. By relating this to the needs of the application, we have been able to derive indices that faithfully reflect the performance of the multiprocessor in the context of the application, that permit the objective comparison of rival computer systems, and that can either be definitively estimated or objectively measured. An example of a controller in an idealized satellite application is provided.