Modular design space exploration framework for embedded systems

Design space exploration is introduced as one of the major tasks in embedded system design. After reviewing existing exploration methods at various layers of abstraction, a generic approach is described based on multi-objective decision making, black-box optimisation and randomised search strategies. The interface between problem-specific and generic parts of the exploration framework is made explicit by defining an interface called PISA. This specification and implementation interface, and the availability of a wide range of randomised multi-objective search methods, makes the proposed framework accessible to a wide range of exploration problems. It resolves the problem that existing optimisation methods cannot be coupled easily to the problem-specific part of a design exploration tool.