A Model-Based Testing Technique for Component-Based Real-Time Embedded Systems

The growing complexity of modern real-time embedded systems is leading to increased use of component-based software engineering (CBSE) technology. Although many ideas have been proposed for building component-based real-time embedded software, techniques for testing component-based real-time systems are scarce. The challenges not only come from the integration of different types of components through their interfaces but also include the composition of extra-functional properties. In an embedded system, extra-functional requirements are as important as functional requirements. A real-time embedded system needs to achieve its functionality under the constraints caused by its extra-functional properties. Correct functional behavior with regard to timing properties is essential to real-time embedded system. This paper focuses on real-time requirements instead of all extra-functional requirements. Therefore, they should be considered while testing embedded software behavior. This paper addresses problems that emerge during the integration of component-based real-time embedded software. It presents a test model that depicts both inter-component and intra-component relationships in component-based real-time embedded software and identifies key test elements. The test model is realized using a family of graph-based test models in which that describe functional interactions and their dependence relationships, as well as the time-dependent interaction among components. By using a graph-based test model, this paper presents a novel family of test adequacy criteria that help generate effective test cases and new algorithms to facilitate automate generation of the test cases.