Applying Product Line to the Embedded Systems

Abstract

For software intensive systems, a reuse-driven product line approach will potentially reduce time-to-market, and improve product quality while reducing uncertainty on cost and sc11edule estimates. Product lines raise reuse to the level of design frameworks, not simply code or component reuse. They capture commonality and adaptability, through domain and variability analyzes, to be able to create new products easily by instantiating prefabricated components, adapting their design parameters, and leveraging from established testing suites. In this paper, we examine software technology and infrastructure (process) supporting product lines more directly to embedded systems. We also present evaluation criteria for the development of a product line and give an overview of the current state of practices in the embedded software area. A product line architecture that brings about a balance between sub-domains and their most important properties is an investment that must be looked after. However, the sub-domains need flexibility to use, change and manage their own technologies, and evolve separately, but in a controlled way.