Combining ECU and network scheduling analysis creates new, powerful tools for optimized system integration. Dependencies between ECU scheduling, network scheduling and COM-layer configuration can be analyzed to verify local and end-to-end deadlines, to identify bottlenecks, and to explore and optimize ECU scheduling, bus protocols and their configuration, buffering  and synchronization on nodes and gateways, and other relevant parameters.

Starting from a performance model for the individual components, SymTA/S calculates the effects of integration on overall performance and timing. This can be done before the system is actually integrated. Potential problems and bottlenecks are identified and pointed out to the designer. SymTA/S can then automatically suggest remedies to identified problems.

SymTA/S supports system architects through ‘what-if’ analyses. The impact on timing and performance for alternative architectures can be calculated quickly considering a large range of assumptions. This produces a comprehensive set of data that can be visualized, allowing architects to identify the most likely ‘operation points’ and the associated risks. Sensitivity analysis is used to determine how much room there is for estimation errors.

Future versions of SymTA/S will support exploration in additional ways, including function-to-ECU and signal-to-frame mapping, exploration of EE-architecture and network topology, and of gatewaying strategies.