Chapter 2. System Architecture
IN THIS CHAPTER
A group of devices forming a network to distribute functionality that serve a common purpose defines a system. The initial system design phase creates a framework called the system architecture. The system architecture specifies, at a block level, the system components and their interconnection interfaces. Developers work within the system architecture, which provides a structure and an overall understanding of the project or product. System architectures provide the big picture. Furthermore, a set of high-level system requirements help to define the system architecture. Also, a system architecture does not address technical details of its blocks. Details, such as component specification and selection, are determined during a block's design phase.
This chapter introduces Project Trailblazer, a winter resort automation project. This project starts with the formation of the high-level system requirements, which will develop into a system architecture consisting of functional blocks and their interfaces. This chapter does not address any technical details concerning the functional block; it merely defines the Project Trailblazer system architecture. This book follows the Project Trailblazer development and the design and implementation of its functional blocks using embedded Linux.