2. Model-driven engineering for real-time and embedded systems

2.1 Which models?

Models have been around for as long as there have been engineers (models, plans, scale models, etc.). The ones we're talking about here are computer representations of a system established for a particular purpose. This purpose determines the scope and level of abstraction (or detail) of the model. Good model properties are :

• abstraction (hiding irrelevant details);

• understandability (by man and machine) ;

• fidelity (to the system modeled) ;

• Predictability (it can be used to answer questions about the model);

• low cost.

A good engineering model has all...