Applying formal methods to an embedded real-time avionics system

Abstract

The authors present an application of formal development methodology to an actual real-time embedded system. The formal methods used are based on Modechart a graphical state specification language for real-time systems, whose formal semantic definition provides the basis for analysis. The specifications may be automatically simulated, or verified with respect to user-provided safety, liveness, and timing assertions. The application is of non-toy size and functionality, and features many state-of-the-practice design properties, such as parallel priority-based synchronizing processes with preemption.<>