Maximizing the benefits of continuous integration with simulation

by Jakob Engblom & Eva Skoglund - Embedded.com, Jul. 27, 2015 – 

The role of software is becoming more important than ever in embedded systems. It provides the opportunity for competitive differentiation and can significantly accelerate and increase revenues. However, companies are often not willing to wait a year or two for new and updated software, so there is increased pressure to release faster. The way developers work is fast evolving, regardless of the type of code or system in development. Market observation shows that new practices such as Agile development, continuous integration, continuous deployment and cross-functional teams are being established for the development of embedded software. Embedded systems development is clearly very different from developing a web or an IT-based application; and target hardware does not always lend itself to adopting these new development methodologies.

Most of the challenges can be categorized as being related to access, collaboration or automation. Let investigate the first of these challenges: access or the availability of the hardware required to move to continuous integration and testing. Continuous integration is often considered to be a useful means to achieve maximum velocity in embedded development. Although it can deliver many benefits, continuous integration can also highlight hardware limitations that prevent its effective attainment.

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