Testing concept for model-based development

Software embedded in electronic controls of today's motor vehicles is increasingly being developed in a model-based way. That means that an executable model of the control system is typically created early in the development process using modelling and simulation tools such as Matlab/ Simulink/ Stateflow. This model then forms the basis for the later control unit software. Model-based development allows and, at the same time, necessitates new approaches to software testing. The main reasons for this are the possibility of using the executable model as an additional, source of information for testing and the potential for transferring testing activities to earlier development stages. In order to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of testing within the context of model-based development, a methodical procedure is required which takes account of the specifics of this development paradigm. This article discusses different facets of a test concept for model-based testing.