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227-0102-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-MATH

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Discrete Event Systems

Diskrete Ereignissysteme

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Roger Wattenhofer, Prof. Dr. Laurent Vanbever, Prof. Dr. Lana Josipovic

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:05

Abstract

Introduction to discrete event systems. We start out by studying popular models of discrete event systems. In the second part of the course we analyze discrete event systems from an average-case and from a worst-case perspective. Topics include: Automata and Languages, Specification Models, Stochastic Discrete Event Systems, Worst-Case Event Systems, Verification, Network Calculus.

Objective

Over the past few decades the rapid evolution of computing, communication, and information technologies has brought about the proliferation of new dynamic systems. A significant part of activity in these systems is governed by operational rules designed by humans. The dynamics of these systems are characterized by asynchronous occurrences of discrete events, some controlled (e.g. hitting a keyboard key, sending a message), some not (e.g. spontaneous failure, packet loss). The mathematical arsenal centered around differential equations that has been employed in systems engineering to model and study processes governed by the laws of nature is often inadequate or inappropriate for discrete event systems. The challenge is to develop new modeling frameworks, analysis techniques, design tools, testing methods, and optimization processes for this new generation of systems. In this lecture we give an introduction to discrete event systems. We start out the course by studying popular models of discrete event systems, such as automata and Petri nets. In the second part of the course we analyze discrete event systems. We first examine discrete event systems from an average-case perspective: we model discrete events as stochastic processes, and then apply Markov chains and queuing theory for an understanding of the typical behavior of a system. In the last part of the course we analyze discrete event systems from a worst-case perspective using the theory of online algorithms and adversarial queuing.

Content

1. Introduction 2. Automata and Languages 3. Smarter Automata 4. Specification Models 5. Stochastic Discrete Event Systems 6. Worst-Case Event Systems 7. Network Calculus

Resources

Lecture Notes

Available

Literature

[bertsekas] Data Networks Dimitri Bersekas, Robert Gallager Prentice Hall, 1991, ISBN: 0132009161 [borodin] Online Computation and Competitive Analysis Allan Borodin, Ran El-Yaniv. Cambridge University Press, 1998 [boudec] Network Calculus J.-Y. Le Boudec, P. Thiran Springer, 2001 [cassandras] Introduction to Discrete Event Systems Christos Cassandras, Stéphane Lafortune. Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1999, ISBN 0-7923-8609-4 [fiat] Online Algorithms: The State of the Art A. Fiat and G. Woeginger [hochbaum] Approximation Algorithms for NP-hard Problems (Chapter 13 by S. Irani, A. Karlin) D. Hochbaum [schickinger] Diskrete Strukturen (Band 2: Wahrscheinlichkeitstheorie und Statistik) T. Schickinger, A. Steger Springer, Berlin, 2001 [sipser] Introduction to the Theory of Computation Michael Sipser. PWS Publishing Company, 1996, ISBN 053494728X

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Information

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 120 minutes
Aids: Any kind of document is allowed (script, slides, own notes, exercises, books). NOT allowed is any electronic device (pocket calculator, mobile phone, laptop)!

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Diskrete Ereignissysteme	Thu 14:15-16:00 (HG D 7.2) Thu 16:15-18:00 (HG D 7.2)	4 h weekly

Offered In

Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Bachelor
- 5th Semester: Third Year Core Courses (Can be freely combined, a list of recommendations is available under )
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Computers and Networks (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Computers and Networks", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Computers and Networks". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
      - Foundation Core Courses (Fundamentals at bachelor level, for master students who need to strengthen or refresh their background in the area.)
  - Systems and Control (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Systems and Control", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Systems and Control", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
  - Communication (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Communication", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Communication", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  - Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved during the Master Programme. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Communication
      - Recommended Subjects (These courses are recommended, but you are free to choose courses from any other special field. Please consult your tutor.)
    - Systems and Control
      - Recommended Subjects (These courses are recommended, but you are free to choose courses from any other special field. Please consult your tutor.)
Robotics, Systems and Control Master
- Core Courses