Resource-Constrained Embedded Systems

Embedded software is found in most modern electronic and electrical products which are increasingly being controlled by microprocessors. Examples range from very simple controllers in household appliances to highly complex software in cars and airplanes.

This project aims to provide the insight, design methods, and prototype tools needed for developing high-quality (efficient, correct, and reliable) resource-constrained embedded software.

The project focuses on embedded software controlling applications with severe resource constraints. Embedded microprocessors often have moderate CPU power and limited memory. One reason is that most mobile and hand-held embedded systems are battery powered, making power consumption a main concern.

Embedded software is typically firmware, which is difficult or impossible to replace, so it must work correctly from the outset. But this is hard to achieve because embedded systems are highly reactive and have hard real-time constraints.

In this project we aim to give developers of embedded software the ability to work at a higher level of abstraction while maintaining efficiency and remaining in control of the details. To do this we will develop domain-specific high-level languages for description of embedded systems, and analysis tools based on algorithms developed by us in previous projects.

The project was funded by the Danish Research Councils via the Information Technology Programme.