Integrating real-time analysis in a component model for embedded systems

Component-based development is a key technology in the development of software for modern embedded systems. However, standard component models and tools are not suitable for this type of systems, since they do not explicitly address real-time, memory or cost constraints. This paper presents a new predictable component model for embedded systems together with a set of tools to support it. The environment allows for the development of new components that can be assembled to build complete embedded applications, including hardware interaction. The main contribution of the environment is its support for real-time analysis at the component and application level. The analysis is achieved by combining component meta-information in the form of an abstract behaviour model and a method to measure worst-case execution times in the final platform.