Markus Kühl

Multiparadigm modeling in embedded systems design

Embedded electronic systems for monitoring and control of technical processes (electronic control unit-ECU) are systems comprised of heterogeneous components (hardware, software, sensors, actuators, power electronics), thus making high demands on their development. Describing different aspects and views of the whole system, subsystem, or component requires according modeling paradigms for requirements specification, design, hardware implementation, software code generation, verification, integration, and testing. The first part of the paper surveys characteristic ECU features and describes a design strategy and the related technology, bringing out the necessity of multiparadigm modeling. Examples from automotive ECU applications are used throughout the paper. With respect to the problem that currently available tools provide insufficient support, integration strategies for multiparadigm modeling based on multiple tools are surveyed in the second part, concluding with examples from our own research activities.

From object-oriented modeling to code generation for rapid prototyping of embedded electronic systems

In this paper a new high-level system design approach for electronic systems is presented. It supports object-oriented system modeling of software intensive components with the Unified Modeling Language and time-discrete and time-continuous modeling concepts. Our approach supports structural and behavioral modeling with front-end tools and simulation/emulation with back-end tools. The XMI (XML Metadata Exchange) format and the UML metamodel is used for an exchange and storage of CASE data. The CASE tool chain, which we present in this paper, supports concurrent engineering with versioning and configuration management and provides tool adaptors for MATLAB/Simulink and ARTiSAN Real-Time Studio. Using the Unified Modeling Language notation for an overall system design cycle, the focus of this paper lies on the subsystem coupling of different modeling domains and a new code generation approach.

Universal object-oriented modeling for rapid prototyping of embedded electronic systems

In this paper a new approach for an overall system design is presented. It supports object-oriented system modeling for software components in embedded systems in addition to the well known time-discrete and time-continuous modeling concepts. Our approach supports structural and behavioral modeling with front-end tools and simulation/emulation with back-end tools. The XMI (XML Meta-data Exchange) metamodel is used for storing CASE data to a commercial object repository and exchanging CASE data. The CASE tool chain, presented in this paper, supports concurrent engineering with versioning and configuration management. Finally we discuss the suitability of XMI for concurrent engineering using the Unified Modeling Language notation for an overall system design cycle.

Using CDIF for concept-oriented rapid prototyping of electronic systems

An open environment for heterogeneous system design is presented supporting all design phases. Our approach separates front end tools with structural and behavioral modeling from back end tools for analysis, simulation and emulation. This separation is realized with the emerging CASE data interchange format CDIF. Though CDIF is intended as an interchange format for the interchange of modeling data between modeling tools, CDIF can also serve as an appropriate basis for back end tools. Our approach supports an overall system design and results in a unique representation of modeling data and a modeling technique based, tool independent analysis, simulation and emulation. In addition, we discuss the suitability of CDIF and present results for several implementations.

MATLAB/Simulink Based Methodology for Rapid-FPGA-Prototyping

The paper is focused on rapid prototyping for FPGA using the high-level environment of MATLAB/Simulink. An approach using combination of the Xilinx System Generator (XSG) and Handel-C is reviewed. A design flow to minimize HDL coding is considered.

Design and realization of an active SAR calibrator for TerraSAR-X

TerraSAR-X is a new earth observing satellite which will be launched in spring 2006. It carries a high resolution X-band SAR sensor. For high image data quality, accurate ground calibration targets are necessary. This paper describes a novel system concept for an active and highly integrated, digitally controlled SAR system calibrator. A total of 16 active transponder and receiver systems and 17 receiver only systems will be fabricated for a calibration campaign. The calibration units serve for absolute radiometric calibration of the SAR image data. Additionally, they are equipped with an extra receiver path for two dimensional satellite antenna pattern recognition. The calibrator is controlled by a dedicated digital Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The different voltages needed by the calibrator and the ECU are provided by the third main unit called Power Management Unit (PMU).

Model-based powertrain development

The optimum networking of development tools for automotive powertrain projects using an integrated workflow requires new approaches for the development process. This article presents a concept for integrating different modelling and simulation tools using an automatic model transformation process developed by the University of Karlsruhe in cooperation with aquintos GmbH and AVL List GmbH. The development process of a hybrid powertrain is shown as an example.

The crosslinking of electronic control units on powertrain test beds

Dynamic powertrain test beds are used in the modern vehicle development process for durability and functional testing, as well as for the automated calibration of electronic control units (ECU) and for determining power limits and behaviour in safety-critical situations. This article presents a new concept for utilising a powerful communication system and its supporting development tools on powertrain test beds. The concept was developed by the Institute of Product Development at the University of Karlsruhe and the Research Centre for Information Technology.

Vernetzung von Steuergeräten an Antriebsstrang-Prüfständen

Dynamische Antriebsstrang-Prufstande werden im heutigen Fahrzeugentwicklungsprozess zur Dauer- und Funktionserprobung, automatisierten Steuergerateapplikation und zur Bestimmung der Leistungsgrenzen sowie des Verhaltens in sicherheitskritischen Situationen eingesetzt. Im Beitrag wird das vom Institut fur Produktentwicklung der Universitat Karlsruhe in Kooperation mit dem Forschungszentrum Informatik umgesetzte Konzept zum Einsatz eines leistungsfahigen Kommunikationssystems und dessen unterstutzenden Entwicklungswerkzeugen an Antriebsstrang-Prufstanden vorgestellt.

Eine durchgehende Entwurfsumgebung für das Rapid Prototyping von eingebetteten elektronischen Systemen (A Continuous Design Environment for Rapid Prototyping of Embedded Electronic Systems)

In diesem Beitrag wird eine Entwurfsmethodik für eingebettete elektronische Systeme vorgestellt, die mittels eines durchgehend objektorientierten Systemmodells unter Einsatz kommerzieller CASE-Tools konzeptorientiertes Rapid Prototyping von heterogenen Systemen mit zeit- und wertkontinuierlichen, diskreten und informationstechnischen Modulen erlaubt. Der Ansatz unterstützt die Modellbildung von Struktur und Verhalten mit bekannten Front-End-Werkzeugen und die Simulation bzw. Emulation mit Back-End-Werkzeugen. Das MOF-Metamodell (Meta Object Facility) wird zur Speicherung der Designdaten in einer relationalen Datenbank und das XMI-Dateiformat zum Datenaustausch mit anderen CASE-Werkzeugen eingesetzt. Die in diesem Artikel vorgestellte CASE-Tool-Kette unterstützt Concurrent Engineering mit CASE-Tool unabhängigen Versions- und Konfigurationsmanagement.