Time predictability from system-level design to task implementations in automotive applications

Modern automotive embedded systems are characterized by timing constraints at different levels in the design hierarchy and flow. System-level functions like modern active-safety functions are characterized by end-to-end constraints that span several ECUs and buses. ECU-level functions, like fuel injection controls need to cope with stringent resource requirements, tight time constraints and event-driven computations with different execution modes. This paper introduces some of the models, the techniques and the tool integration methods developed in the context of the INTERESTED project to guarantee timing correctness at all levels in the flow. In addition, we outline the issues arising from the application of these techniques to a fuel injection case study. Finally, we also discuss the implications in the integration/compatibility of the proposed flow with existing standards, like UML with the MARTE profile and AUTOSAR, and widely used commercial products, like Simulink and its code generator companion tools.