What is model-driven design?

Electronic and Embedded design is increasingly becoming complex. A model driven approach to design is one way to deal with this complexity by lifting the level of abstraction at which designers work. In fact modelling is an important aspect of ESL Design (Electronic or Embedded System Level).
A model is a specification of a device, processor or system that is being developed which has the look and feel of the final system (Example: prototype). It may also be a replica of an existing system used to analyse certain properties of the system.
Several kinds of modelling languages, frameworks and tools have been developed over the years by design automation researchers. These allow embedded designers to to work with higher level abstractions (models) using model driven tools to automate one or more development activities
Understandably, It is not easy to create modelling frameworks for embedded system design. Embedded systems combine different types of components for realising system behaviour—RF, Sequential, Combinatorial, Programmable Logic and Processors to name a few into a single system.
A modelling language that works well for one component type may not work really well for the other. This did not stop the ambitious from trying to create a single language that attempts to work for many of these (like SystemC). Such attempts have traditionally yielded mixed results.
If one looks at the modelling technologies in the general IT space, one sees a plethora of standards. Just one organisation, The OMG has come out with different specifications like UML (Unified Modelling Language), SysML (System Modelling Language), BPMN (Business Process Modelling Notation) and so on.
Modelling it appears can replace one kind of complexity with another. Clearly design teams need a good strategy in place if they intend to take advantage of model driven development. There is no doubt that the right model driven development strategy can give an organisation a significant competitive advantage in the market place.
I intend to share my thoughts and experience on how to take advantage of modelling in the development of complex electronic embedded designs through this blog. Stay tuned.