Automotive Software Development: A Model Based Approach

This article focuses on model based development of electronic control units (ECUs) in the automotive domain. The use of model-based approaches solves requirements for the fast-growing integration of formerly isolated logical functions in complex distributed networks of heavily interacting ECUs. One fundamental property of such an approach is the existence of an adequate modeling notation tailored to the specific needs of the application domain together with a precise definition of its syntax and its semantics. However, although these constituents are necessary, they are not sufficient for guaranteeing an efficient development process of ECU networks. In addition, methodical support which guides the application of the modeling notation must be an integral part of a model-based approach.

Therefore we aim at developing a so-called ‘system model’ which comprises all of these constituents: the modeling language AML its mapping to the Unified Modeling Language (UML) which represents the modeling language standard for object-oriented system development as well as a system of abstraction levels which will help the AML user to achieve a well-structured development process. Within this methodical framework we outline the use of the AML in this article by illustrating a case study which comprises parts of the body car electronics within a car. Used model concepts are discussed in detail by showing its correlation to the UML representation and its counterpart in the metamodel.

Long term goal of the project Automotive is to establish the AML as a de facto standard for the specification of embedded systems. The accompanying realisation of an integrated tool chain, comprising the tools Telelogic UML Suite /28/, ETAS ASCET-SD /27/ and Telelogic DOORS /28/ as well as the validation of the methodology by the different project partners facilitate this goal.