A Multi Variable Optimization Approach for the Design of Integrated Dependable Real-Time Embedded Systems

Embedded systems increasingly encompass both dependability and responsiveness requirements. While sophisticated techniques exist, on a discrete basis, for both dependability/Fault-Tolerance (FT) and Real-Time (RT), the composite considerations for FT+RT are still evolving. Obviously the different objectives needed for FT and RT make composite optimization hard. In this paper, the proposed Multi Variable Optimization (MVO) process develops integrated FT+RT considerations. The authors introduce dependability as an initial optimization criteria by confining error propagation probability, i.e., limiting the interactions. Subsequently, quantification of interactions together with RT optimization by minimizing scheduling length is developed. A simulated annealing approach is utilized to find optimized solutions.