Model-driven development of industrial embedded systems: Challenges faced and lessons learnt

The strict requirements of embedded control software, in the absence of a formal approach, necessitates ad-hoc optimisations and coding decisions in the “C” language. Model driven development (MDD) is a proposed methodology for alleviating problems inherent in this method. We propose an IEC 61499 model based approach for the reengineering of existing or legacy industrial embedded systems. Experimental evidence and hands-on experience is used to illustrate the challenges faced by adopting such an approach; primarily, the lacuna that exists between current standards and industry practices. Several syntactic enhancements based on a layered approach are proposed to address these concerns.