Virtual Embedded Device for Parallel Development and Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for developing embedded type devices are inefficient and costly due to the complexity of integrating professional functions, requiring extensive research and development processes, and lack a comprehensive simulation method for testing device functions, especially in fields like power systems and industrial control.
Innovation Solution
A running method for an embedded type virtual device that simulates the actual hardware environment, allowing for complete function verification through a virtual managing process that loads real-time and non-real-time modules, schedules tasks, and enables accurate data exchange among processors, supporting parallel communication and debugging, using a configuration file to maintain consistency with actual devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional serial research and development methods are used for embedded type devices, then device functionality can be verified, but the research and development period is extended and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual embedded device that replicates the functionality and behavior of the actual hardware device. This virtual copy allows parallel development and testing without requiring physical device samples, thereby shortening the development period and improving efficiency while maintaining full functional verification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual device enables preliminary development, testing, and debugging activities to be performed before actual hardware is available. Developers can implement and test algorithms, software, and system integration in advance, eliminating waiting time and enabling parallel workflows that reduce the overall research and development period
2Productivity
If multiple device samples and debugging devices are provided for parallel research and development, then development can proceed in parallel, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual embedded device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the target device for algorithm development and the debugging environment for software testing. This multi-functional virtual platform eliminates the need for separate physical device samples and debugging equipment, reducing complexity while enabling parallel development by multiple teams
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual device acts as an intermediary between developers and the actual hardware, providing all necessary debugging and testing capabilities in a virtual environment. This intermediary eliminates the need for multiple physical devices and complex debugging setups, simplifying the development infrastructure while maintaining parallel development capabilities
3Reliability
If existing virtual simulation methods are used, then application algorithm simulation is possible, but complete device function verification including man-machine interface and communication functions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual embedded device is segmented into distinct functional modules including real-time modules, non-real-time modules, man-machine interface modules, and communication modules. Each module is independently implemented and can be separately tested, while maintaining their integrated interactions. This segmentation enables complete device function verification across all components while preserving the system's adaptability and versatility
4Adaptability or versatility
If high integration degree is achieved in embedded type devices with multiple professional functions, then device functionality is enhanced, but research and development cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual embedded device replicates the high-integration system with all its professional functions (line protection, transformer protection, busbar protection, stability control, and measurement control) in a virtual environment. This virtual copy allows complete testing and verification of all integrated functions without requiring complex physical prototypes, reducing development complexity while maintaining full functional capability
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed by the present invention are a running method for an embedded type virtual device and a system, an embedded type device being divided into a managing process, a plurality of real-time modules and a plurality of non-real-time modules. The managing process reading a configuration file, loading real-time and non-real-time module libraries of each processor and completing initialization interaction by means of a virtual controller area network (CAN) bus and first in, first out (FIFO) communication. The managing process starting a real-time thread and serially scheduling real-time task according to a task period setting relation. The managing process starting a plurality of non-real-time threads, calling a period task of a non-real-time module and carrying out parallel communication with a plurality of debugging clients. The real-time modules exchange data with each other by means of a virtual data bus, and the real-time modules exchange data with the non-real-time modules by means of a sharing memory.