Dynamic Integration Architecture for High Availability Embedded Networks

Incremental system/software integration and the maintenance and evolution of embedded systems are not well supported by current tools. This is particularly true of high-availability systems that can't be shut down to use off-line integration approaches. We have developed a software architecture that associates dynamic integration command statements with the code of the current and new components. While the system is executing, these commands are interpreted to effect the required module updates. This formal, rigorous language allows a dynamic integration strategy to be tailored to the specific needs of each modification. Unlike proposed alternatives, our technique works with existing languages, architectures and SW designs. In addition to updating critical, continuously running systems--a capability that is currently unavailable--our approach provides a formal HW/SW integration tool that allows reuse, review and verification of tasks that account for over 1/3 of system cost.