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Embedded System Design Using Formal Model Refinement: An Approach Based on the Combined Use of UML and the B Language

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Abstract

The approach proposed in this paper introduces a hardware/software co-design framework for developing complex embedded systems. The method relies on formal proof of system properties at every phase of the co-design cycle. The key concept is the combined use of UML and the B language for system modeling and design, and the seamless transition from UML specifications to system descriptions in B. The final system prototype emerges from correct-by-construction subsystems described in the B language; the hardware components are translated in VHDL/SystemC, while for the software components C/C++ is used. The outcome is a formally proven correct system implementation. The efficiency of the proposed method is exhibited through the design of a case study from the telecommunication domain.

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Author notes

  1. Konstantinos Masselos

    Present address: Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. INTRACOM S.A., Hellenic Telecommunication and Electronics Industry, 254 Panepistimiou Str., 26443, Patra, Greece

    Nikolaos S. Voros

  2. School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK

    Colin F. Snook

  3. KeesDA S.A., Centre Equation, 2 avenue de Vignate, 38610, Gieres, France

    Stefan Hallerstede

  4. INTRACOM S.A., Hellenic Telecommunication and Electronics Industry, 19.5 Km Markopoulo Avenue, PO Box 68, 19002, Attika, Peania, Greece

    Konstantinos Masselos

Authors
  1. Nikolaos S. Voros
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  2. Colin F. Snook
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  3. Stefan Hallerstede
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  4. Konstantinos Masselos
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Correspondence to Nikolaos S. Voros.

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Voros, N.S., Snook, C.F., Hallerstede, S. et al. Embedded System Design Using Formal Model Refinement: An Approach Based on the Combined Use of UML and the B Language. Des Autom Embed Syst 9, 67–99 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10617-005-1184-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10617-005-1184-6

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