Automatic development of embedded systems using model driven engineering and compile-time virtualisation

Abstract

The architectures of modern embedded systems tend to be highly application-specific, containing features such as heterogeneous multicore processors, non-uniform memory architectures, custom function accelerators and on-chip networks. Furthermore, these systems are resource-constrained and are often deployed as part of safety-related systems. This necessitates the levels of certification and the use of designs that meet stringent non-functional requirements (such as timing or power). This chapter focusses upon new tools for the generation of software and hardware for modern embedded systems implemented using Java. The approach promotes rapid deployment and design space exploration, and is integrated into a fully model-driven toolflow that supports existing industrial practices. The presented approach allows the automatic deployment of architecture-neutral Java code over complex embedded architectures, with minimal overheads and a run-time support that is amenable to real-time analysis. © 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.