Hierarchical Simulation Techniques for the Design of Heterogeneous, Embedded Systems

In this paper we present the HiFAQ Modelling and Simulation language. This language allows the assessment of the functional and performance properties of a heterogeneous embedded system by means of integrated, timed simulation. A typical fly-by-wire control system is modelled by means of the HiFAQ technique showing the effects of different implementations on the dynamics of the control loop Keywords: Integrated System Level Simulation, Embedded Systems, Heterogeneous Systems 1 Introduction Currently, designers of embedded systems are still forced to determine the architecture at an early stage in the design cycle. Examples are Hardware /Software partitioning, type and number of microprocessors and microcontrollers, scheduling strategies, and communication protocols. A full redesign is necessary if the chosen architecture is not capable of performing the function within the performance requirements. On the other hand, it might happen that the resources of the architecture are not used..