A Systems-Performance Equation for Multi-thread Systems

Abstract

A fundamental systems-performance equation that relates system throughput capacity to resources, resource-sharing procedures, and system threads, and which governs non-growth, agent-directed systems, is proposed and justified. The equation is called the resource-sharing equation. It shows how throughput capacity can be maintained by reducing resources and increasing resource-sharing procedure complexity, or vice versa. All quantities used in the equation are precisely defined and their units specified. The equation reduces to a numerical expression, and can be subjected to experimental test. The equation clarifies and quantifies a basic principle, enabling designers and operators of systems to reason correctly about systems in complex situations. Spreng's Triangle, relating energy, time and information follows from the resource-sharing equation.