Rapid Embedded Systems Prototyping - an effective approach to embedded systems development

In this paper we introduce the Rapid Embedded Systems Prototyping (RESP) approach aimed at accelerating the development of novel, experimental, and proof-of-concept implementations of embedded devices based on microcontrollers and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chips. It is intended to be used in the fast-paced business environment in which an early working prototype is required. The RESP approach can be useful for remote developing and temporary monitoring of various embedded devices: primarily for resource-constrained IoT platforms, microcontroller-based sensor nodes, and customized ad hoc systems. The RESP-compliant system uses a central server and one or multiple Remote Reconfiguration and Monitoring (RRM) modules. Each RRM allows the software developers to manage reprogramming and monitoring of multiple target embedded devices. It can he applied to a device that needs to be remotely reconfigured, tested, or reprogrammed in its target environment without implementing a reliable bootloader. The RRM described in this paper has been successfully implemented and its functionality and performance have been tested.