Multi-Target Modelling for Embedded Software Development for Automotive Applications

Manual ‘porting” of source code is often required in order to “reuse” control software in different applications with different target hardware. This process is not cost effective. Maintaining multiple “versions” of the same software also causes problems. This paper describes a way in which multiple target source code can be generated from a single model. A custom data class is developed so that it can be used to define both signal and parameter data types necessary for data dictionary-driven models. This capability allows a single model to be used to generate code for multiple target hardware architectures. A software development process using a generic model to support multiple hardware targets is compared with the hand porting process (e.g. floating-point to/from fixed-point). Auto code generation from a sample multi-target feature model will be presented. The efficiency of the auto code will also be discussed.