Combining Model-Based Design (MBD) and Model-Based Testing (MBT) for early validation of embedded real-time systems

International audienceThis paper describes an approach combining Model-Based Engineering (MBE) and Model-Based Testing, and its application to requirements validation for an embedded Instrumentation & Control (I&C) system. Many aspects of the embedded system can thus be validated early in the lifecycle, long before an actual implementation is developed, and, most importantly, requirements can be validated before the system is implemented. A flexible integration environment makes it possible to reuse the test cases throughout the lifecycle. This approach is being implemented in the CONNEXION R&D project, using Esterel Technologies’ SCADE Suite and All4tec’s MaTeLo, with Corys’ ALICES as an integration environment

EQUITAS: A tool-chain for functional safety and reliability improvement in automotive systems

International audienceTo support advanced features such as hybrid engine control, intelligent energy management, and advanced driver assistance systems, automotive embedded systems must use advanced technologies. As a result, systems are becoming distributed and include dozens of Electronic Control Units (ECU). On the one hand, this tendency raises the issue of robustness and reliability, due to the increase in the error ratio with the integration level and the clock frequency. On the other hand, due to a lack of automation, software Validation and Verification (V&V) tends to swallow up 40% to 50% of the total development cost. The ``Enhanced Quality Using Intensive Test Analysis on Simulators'' (EQUITAS1) project aims (1) to improve reliability and functional safety and (2) to limit the impact of software V&V on embedded systems costs and time-to-market. These two achievements are obtained by (1) developing a continuous tool-chain to automate the V&V process, (2) improving the relevance of the test campaigns by detecting redundant tests using equivalence classes, (3) providing assistance for hardware failure effect analysis (FMEA) and finally (4) assessing the tool-chain under the ISO 26262 requirements