A MDD methodology for specification of embedded systems and automatic generation of fast configurable and executable performance models

Abstract

This paper presents the COMPLEX UML/MARTE modeling methodology and its related framework for automatic generation of executable performance models. The modeling methodology supports Model-Driven Development (MDD), required by industrial flows, and a novel set of modeling features specifically suitable for Design Space Exploration (DSE), a crucial design activity. The COMPLEX framework has other advantages for DSE. The COMPLEX tooling enables the automatic generation of an executable and configurable model for fast performance analysis without requiring engineering effort. The COMPLEX tooling automates the production of an easily portable text-based representation of the UML/MARTE model. This representation is read by the underlying simulation infrastructure, which automatically builds a fast performance model supporting the evaluation of different configurations of the system. An important aspect of this performance analysis framework is that it supports a system-level text-based front-end, which is produced from the COMPLEX UML/MARTE model, and which avoids the development of SW implementations, HW refinements, or the implementation of HW/SW interfaces. Moreover, neither code regeneration, nor recompilation is required for any DSE iterations, and thus, the time taken in the exploration is mostly due to model simulation.

Automated, retargetable back-annotation for host compiled performance and power modeling

“…To further capture dynamic effects, several approaches include dedicated simulation models of micro-architecture features such as caches or branch predictors [25,30] or of complete OS and processor models that include effects of task interleavings or other exceptions [12,24]. Furthermore, there are hybrid models that toggle between host-compiled and ISS-based execution [15,20].…”

A model-based, single-source approach to design-space exploration and synthesis of mixed-criticality systems

“…The specification methodology can be found in [18]. The paper focuses on a main set of novel aspects, reflected in Fig.…”

Combining Analytical and Simulation-Based Design Space Exploration for Efficient Time-Critical and Mixed-Criticality Systems

“…Well defined interfaces and configurable performance models which avoid re-modelling and re-compilation every DSE iteration, and fast performance assessment technologies, such as native simulation [28,37], have enabled simulation speed-ups of orders of magnitude, which has been exploited in frameworks like Multicube-SCoPE [25]. The UML/MARTE COMPLEX methodology [15] enabled a model-driven front-end for DSE.…”