Virtual prototyping of embedded microcontroller-based DSP systems

We propose a hardware-software codesign process based on a design methodology called virtual prototyping. With this process, we integrate VHDL models of hardware components with application, control and diagnostic software to rapidly prototype complex, multiboard, embedded microcontroller-based DSP systems. In the virtual prototyping of a demonstration avionics system, in collaboration with Lockheed Sanders, Hughes, and Motorola RASSP teams, we reduced hardware-software integration and system test times from the typical industry figure of 10-24 months to less than a month