Real-time energy efficient embedded system development methodology

Embedded systems development has made a lot of progress over the past couple of decades. With the proliferation of mobile devices (such as mobile phones, tablet computers) and personal medical devices (such as hearing aids, vital signs monitors) energy-efficient embedded systems implementation has become extremely important, particularly as consumer expectation of battery-life expectancy has risen. It is also important to note that most of these systems use fixed-point architecture, implying the use of quantization analysis. This paper describes a methodology for the development of real-time energy efficient embedded Digital Signal Processing (DSP) systems. It can be used to create real-world solutions in a time-efficient manner and in teaching hands-on embedded DSP courses. Initial development is done in a high level language using simulation tools. The algorithms are then executed on a floating-point real-time target board without worrying about quantization issues. Once the performance is deemed satisfactory, quantization analysis is performed as necessary and the system is implemented on the final target board using chip-specific assembly language.