Improving embedded software design and integration in SOCs

The rapid advances in System-On-Chip (SOC) design enabled by improved process technology will be hindered unless major improvements are made in the specification, design and implementation of embedded software. Embedded software usually makes up at least half of the design content of an SOC device. In the future, it will constitute an even larger percentage of the design effort. In this paper we introduce a number of the major issues involved with design and integration of embedded software. We discuss some of the most recent standards, trends and capabilities that will provide effective solutions.