Establishing a centre of embedded systems research in Estonia
An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger system. A key characteristic is that a system is dedicated to handling a particular task. Such systems can be found in a variety of products, from smartphones to factory controls. initially, the EU-funded 'Centre of research excellence in dependable embedded systems' (CREDES) project set out to facilitate know-how and experience exchange in embedded systems by twinning actions with strategic partners. Several new digital verification systems were developed within the framework of CREDES, including a method for high-level untestability proof for hierarchical untestable stuck-at fault analysis of non-scan sequential circuits. A method for application mapping under real-time constraints was also developed and the feasibility of the approach was successfully approved. Investigations of the feasibility and efficiency of certain new methods were carried out on industrial circuits, developed at the Centre for Integrated Electronic Systems and Biomedical Engineering (CEBE) at TTÜ. Experimental research enabled the project to establish how the testability of the design influences the efficiency and accuracy of testing and fault diagnosis. Other experiments carried out under CREDES demonstrated the feasibility of various programming, testing and verification solutions. Substantial speed improvement has been achieved, compared to existing state-of-the-art industrial solutions. During the course of the project, CREDES supported the employment of 11 junior researchers and eight postdoctoral researchers. Researchers have also been active in proposing new joint research projects, and have successfully secured funding. A new professorship in embedded systems has been established at the University with Prof. Thomas Hollstein, previously with TU Darmstadt, having been recruited.