Model integration in the development of embedded control systems - a characterization of current research efforts

The design of advanced embedded control systems requires a systematic approach in handling their increasing complexity and in particular integration of the different aspects and parts of a product worked on by different experts. Several variants of model-based approaches are today advocated to facilitate systems integration. This paper describes a number of representative efforts that address multiple concerns or views including modeling languages such as AADL and EAST-ADL as well as model integration environments such as GeneralStore, ToolNet, and Fujaba. We present a characterization of the approaches and thereby highlight their commonalities and differences regarding basic integration mechanisms and engineering support. We conclude with a prospect for future work.