Model-Level Debugging of Embedded Real-Time Systems

Model-driven development has become the state- of-the-art approach for designing embedded real-time systems. Due to their high level of abstraction, models are easier to understand and verify, thus leading to less faulty systems. But even when combined with automatic code generation, there is still the risk of unintended behavior. This may, for example, arise from real sensor inputs which differ from the characteristics assumed in the model. Consequently, debugging techniques still play an important role, even in model-driven development processes. However, debugging a system on the embedded target platform is tedious because of the limited user interface. In this paper, we present an approach for capturing runtime data on the target platform and mapping them back to the model. Debugging can then be performed at model-level by visualizing actual input data, like feedback from the target platform´s environment. Using a case study, we demonstrate a realization of our approach.