Testing the temporal behavior of real-time software modules using extended evolutionary algorithms
Hartmut Pohlheim, Joachim Wegener · 1999
be used to find the inputs with the longest or shortest execution times. We have developed and examined a new approach for testing temporal behaviour which is based on the use of evolutionary algorithms, namely evolutionary testing [2]. Our work investigates the effectiveness of Evolutionary Algorithms to validate the temporal correctness of embedded systems by establishing the maximum and minimum execution times. Here we present results from one application field: a motor control system (table 1). It contains several modules which have to fulfill timing constraints. These modules were tested on the target processor later used in the vehicles. The execution times were measured by means of hardware timers. The results of evolutionary testing were compared to the maximum execution times determined by the developers with systematic testing. These values are shown in the column labeled developer test. Table 1: Maximum execution times of motor control software modules determin