Probabilistic analysis and predictions of component-based real-time systems

Software components are suitable vehicles to introduce advanced analysis techniques in a software-engineering context for embedded control software; a feat that has yet to be fully accomplished. We are adopting a component-based approach to control software development. We are extending and combining methods from disparate disciplines, such as probabilistic reliability predictions, stochastic scheduling analysis and software component technologies. We study theories and methods for probabilistic modelling, analysis, and prediction of control software executing in resource-constrained embedded computers. Combining the behaviour models and the architectural model of a component assembly we are deriving stochastic properties, such as reliability, expected delays, and resource consumption. Using components as the fundamental unit of reuse, we employ run-time monitoring techniques to extract probabilistic models of the component behaviour.