A reconfiguration pattern for UML-based projects of embedded (real-time) systems is defined. It enables to set up hardware/software
configurations, and to specify conditions and methods for dynamic reconfiguration. The reconfiguration pattern was inspired
by the reconfiguration management solution of the Specification PEARL methodology, which is based on the standard for Multiprocessor
PEARL whose original idea it was to extend the language to enable the programming of distributed real-time applications in
PEARL. In Specification PEARL, the possibility for abstract descriptions of hardware and software architectures and for defining
mappings from software to hardware components has been enhanced in correspondence with the standard. Here, a UML pattern for
reconfiguration management in distributed embedded applications based on concepts from Specification PEARL is presented. Its
behavioural, structural and functional aspects are outlined. It addresses stereotype entities from the Specification PEARL
language, which were joined in a UML profile, and outlines the related reconfiguration management mechanisms, which were carried
over to the mentioned UML pattern. The proposed reconfiguration pattern is to facilitate the development of distributed embedded
application in UML with consistent and temporally predictable reconfiguration support. It should also support and enhance
the applications’ flexibility and portability.
Keywords Real-time - Distributed - Embedded systems - Dynamic reconfiguration - UML profiles and patterns - UML-RT - Specification PEARL
Communicated by Prof. Dorina Petriu.