Evaluation of an Abstract Component Model for Embedded Systems Development

Model-driven and component-oriented development is increasingly being used in the development of embedded systems. When combined, both paradigms provide several advantages, such as higher reuse rates, and improved system quality. Performing model-driven and component-oriented development should be accompanied by a component model and a method that prescribes how the component model is used. This article provides an overview on the MARMOT method, which consists of an abstract component model and a methodology for the development of embedded systems. The paper describes a feasibility study that demonstrates MARMOT's capability to alleviate system design, verification, implementation, and reuse. Results indicate that model-driven and component-based development following the MARMOT method outperforms Agile development for embedded systems, leads to maintainable systems, and higher than normal reuse rates.