Timing analysis tools in a model-driven development environment

Abstract

This paper discusses the use of timing analysis tools on software systems developed with model-driven engineering methodologies. Model-driven development is mainly based on model transformations and automatic code generation. However, a deep understanding of the internal structure and behaviour of the automatically generated code is required in order to conduct later phases of the lifecycle, including validation of non-functional requirements such as real-time properties. The paper describes the integration of a timing analysis tool with TASTE, a model-driven environment developed under the auspices of the European Space Agency. A study of the influence of using an MDE approach on timing analysis techniques, along with figures on the proportion of automated and human-written code in a representative example of a spacecraft attitude control system is included in the paper.