Model-Based Hardware Generation and Programming - The MADES Approach

This paper gives an overview of the model-based hardware generation and programming approach proposed within the MADES project. MADES aims to develop a model-driven development process for safety-critical, real-time embedded systems. MADES defines a systems modelling language based on subsets of MARTE and SysML that allows iterative refinement from high-level specification down to final implementation. The MADES project specifically focusses on three unique features which differentiate it from existing model-driven development frameworks. First, model transformations in the Epsilon modelling framework are used to move between system models and provide traceability. Second, the Zot verification tool is employed to allow early and frequent verification of the system being developed. Third, Compile-Time Virtualisation is used to automatically retarget architecturally-neutral software for execution on complex embedded architectures. This paper concentrates on MADES's approach to the specification of hardware and the way in which software is refactored by Compile-Time Virtualisation.