Generic discrete–continuous simulation model for accurate validation in heterogeneous systems design

Heterogeneous systems combining several technologies will potentially overcome several performances and applicability limitations, as well as providing new useful features. However, their design is currently confronted to important challenges. One of the key challenges is the integration of pre-built components specific to different application domains (e.g. electrical, mechanical, optical, etc.). In this context, new CAD tools are mandatory to offer a global view of the designed systems and to enable their overall validation. This paper presents a generic discrete–continuous simulation model for an accurate global validation in heterogeneous systems design. This model enables to use powerful tools for the discrete and continuous domains. Solutions are proposed for model's layers implementation in the case of SystemC and Simulink simulators. The continuous–discrete simulation tool is proposed. This tool integrates the two previous simulators by automatically generating global simulation model instances. The evaluation of the simulation model was performed using an illustrative application.