Formal coverification of embedded systems using model checking

The complexity of embedded systems is increasing rapidly. In consequence, new verification techniques that overcome the limitations of traditional methods and are suitable for hardware/software systems are needed. We introduce a computational model for embedded systems based on Petri nets, called PRES. We present an approach to coverification of both the hardware and software parts of an embedded system represented by PRES. We use symbolic model checking to prove the correctness of such systems, specifying properties in CTL and verifying whether they are satisfied. This coverification method permits one to reason formally about design properties as well as timing requirements. A medical monitoring system illustrates the feasibility of our approach on practical applications.