Redefining the process for development of embedded software

The common hardware and software integration environment (CHaSI-E) is being developed in support of the Atmospheric Interceptor Technology program to enhance the engineer's ability in providing rapid development of flight software that is derived directly from the system simulation, but is customized to support the specific processor architecture definition. This tool essentially allows the algorithm designers and testers to also fulfil the classical roles of the software developers and testers. As such, program cost and risk is reduced significantly. Developing algorithms within the environment will allow direct software traceability to the system simulation analysis segment of the design process. In addition, it will provide rapid response to processor/architecture changes allowing re-target of the real-time code for execution on the new hardware without manual regeneration of code.