Implementing a model-based design and test workflow

A model-based design workflow for embedded control systems can accelerate product development, improve performance, increase reliability, and reduce engineering cost. Several current technology trends are driving engineering organizations to establish model-based workflows that enable concurrent and collaborative engineering. In this way, embedded controls engineers can quickly develop reliable products of the highest performance. This paper discusses trends in automotive embedded controls and explains the use of model-based engineering workflows to accelerate embedded controls development. These trends include: platform-based requirements, systems/HW/SW codesign, agile methods, rapid prototyping needs, growing software content, integrated data systems, greater system complexity, and growing engineering needs. A model-based design workflow improves product development processes in the current engineering paradigm. Methods to accelerate development of model-based controls through the V cycle are described. Unconstrained prototyping with constrained design is shown as an effective means to converge on an implementation. Pros and cons of product development processes are contrasted. Model-based workflows provide a framework for controls engineers to incrementally create requirements, evaluate algorithms, develop architectures, coordinate designs, and facilitate requirements-based systems verification and validation testing. A framework that integrates requirements and testing improves system reliability and reduces development risks. Industry standards, such as ISO26262 and DO-178C, enforce such a framework. Tools and technologies that can be used to support modelbased development from functional requirements to automated testing are outlined. Readers gain an understanding of how to establish and deploy a model-based design workflow into their organizations to effectively and efficiently manage the development lifecycle of embedded controls.