CSR-EHS: Software Composition for Embedded Systems using Graph Transformations

Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN

Investigators

Abstract

Model-based approaches to software development promise significant increase in productivity. However, current industrial efforts in Model Driven Architectures (MDA) generally lack rigorous foundations, and their full potential for embedded system development is yet to be demonstrated. The exploratory research in this project addresses these issues in the following research thrusts: (1). The project develops formal foundations for a concrete MDA approach based on Domain-Specific Modeling Languages (DSMLs). A central component of the exploratory research investigates whether graph transformation systems can provide a suitable technology framework for practical model transformation and software generation. (2). The project applies the results of research in the domain of distributed, real-time embedded systems by building specialized DSML-s for embedded applications, and demonstrating how software can be generated for different platforms from the same code base. The project seeks to advance knowledge about constructing complex embedded software systems by exploring: domain-specific models for embedded applications, formal model transformation, and platform-dependent software synthesis from models. The broader, societal impact of this research lies in the importance of rigorous methods for building and maintaining complex real-time embedded system applications that are safe and reliable.