Mixed virtual/real prototypes for incremental system design - A proof of concept

Abstract

Design automation has continually moved towards higher system levels. In recent years it has become possible to model and simulate whole heterogeneous systems, containing hardware as well as complex software components, described on different abstraction levels, with a correct prediction of function and timing. The remaining problem, however, is to transform such a virtual prototype into the final real prototype. This transformation is usually not feasible in a single step. Intermediate versions consist of real as well as virtual subsystems. This paper explores the possibility of a step-wise transformation process (incremental system design) leading to the requirement to combine real subsystems with simulated ones (mixed virtual/real prototypes). The paper discusses the necessary real-time prerequisites in terms of simulation method, programming language, RTOS and the interface between real and virtual subsystems to realize this goal with today's computing platforms. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.