Device Driver Isolation within Virtualized Embedded Platforms

Mobile device manufacturers are facing the challenge, to maintain device drivers across an increasing number of product variants. Isolation of device drivers into a separate domain using virtualization technology offers a way out of the resulting porting dilemma. This paper explains the architecture concept based on the L4/Fiasco microkernel, using an exemplary block device. The paper specifically details challenges and solutions with respect to enabling DMA access and ensuring access protection in the virtualized environment. Benchmark results are given to show the performance impact of the chosen architecture.