Complex embedded systems - A case for virtualization

The increasing complexity of embedded system software in combination with the frequent requirement for safety and/or security calls for a new approach towards embedded system software architecture. Similar to server systems, which have been struck by the problems of escalating software complexity years ago, virtualization could also prove useful in the context of embedded systems as a method to tackle the complexity problem in a ldquodivide and conquerrdquo way. In this article, various approaches to virtualization are examined with respect to their applicability to embedded systems and the more suitable among them are identified. However, even these approaches suffer from shortcomings with respect to their real-time capabilities, so methods are proposed which could remedy these shortcomings.