On Hybrid Hw/Sw Components for Embedded System Design

Abstract Embedded Systems are increasing in complexity, requiring the use of an adequate design methodology in their conception. These methodologies must deal with several metrics associated with the design of embedded systems. In order to attend these metrics, several software engineering techniques are being applied in embedded system design, as component-based design. Moreover, a design based on higher-level abstraction enable a better design space exploration between several hardware and software compositions. We define hybrid components as a development artifact that can be deployed by different combinations of hardware and software elements. Nevertheless, devising the proper interface for such component is certainly not a straightforward task. This paper presents a strategy to handle the construction of those hybrid components that delivers architectural transparency to clients, enabling the achievement of desired design metrics, through an effective design space exploration.