Model checking and verification method of engine control units

Microcontrollers are widely used in the embedded system industry. The reliability of these systems is of great importance. Therefore, verification and validation need to be concerned in the software development process. Model checking is a method to verify and analyze software with regard to its requirements. One of the model checking tools is the explicit-state model checker [mc]square. This paper describes a case study that was conducted using [mc]square and a microcontroller system used to control combustion engines. This system is called Piezo Controlled Carburetor (PCC). The aim of the case study was to improve the quality of the software by introducing model checking into the development process. Moreover we show the development of verification queries and their results used with the PCC embedded software can be much safer and more reliable.