Model-based codesign for real-time embedded systems

Abstract

This dissertation presents a model-based codesign framework for real-time embedded systems applications. The presented research provides a theoretical modeling foundation for the construction of design models and their implementation. Whereas most current codesign approaches leverage from a complete specification of an application design at the implementation level, a completely modular, implementation independent system level specification is pursued here. Benefits of the approach presented include: a stepwise refinement of abstract design models for complex applications, a larger design space for possible application implementations, a late design partitioning into hardware and software components, the representation of concurrency inherent to the application, as well as an implementations thereof on a parallel processing platform. A formal abstraction for a general, system level specification of real-time embedded systems is derived which may be used with a variety of executable discrete event modeling specifications. Furthermore, the construction of abstract design models from textual system specifications is discussed based on this abstraction as well as their correct refinement. A set of analysis methods which evaluate system simulation results is introduced to validate and improve abstracted design model performance during each refinement step. A direct transition from the design model to an efficient implementation is addressed though a model compilation algorithm which validates alternative processing platforms for a detailed design model specification against real-time constraints. In addition, a formal mapping of system model component specifications to implementation specifications is given. Separately, this model continuity problem is also addressed through a definition of a multi-level approach to the testing of integrated application implementation prototypes. The presented model-based codesign concepts are illustrated with an embedded systems application example.