Assessment of performance and dependability in embedded control systems: Methodology and case study
Michael Short, Michael J. Pont, Jianzhong Fang · Control Engineering Practice · 2008
Distributed and embedded control systems play an increasing role in modern safety-critical systems, and there is a pressing need to investigate the impact of different design decisions on system performance and safety integrity. In this paper, a methodology for the measurement and estimation of such attributes is presented. The methodology integrates statistical fault-injection testing with the application of on-line, model-based performance monitoring of the embedded control system under test. The methodology is particularly suited to late-phase system testing in which “hardware-in-the-loop” (HIL) simulation techniques are employed. The methodology is illustrated in an extended case study , in which the performance and dependability of eight possible designs for an automotive control system are compared. It is concluded that the methodology is a useful adjunct to the available testing and analysis techniques for such systems.