Dynamic Linking Method for an Embedded Component System

This paper presents a dynamic linking method using the TOPPERS Embedded Component System (TECS). Dynamic linking mechanisms (e.g., Shared Object and Dynamic Link Library) are responsible for loading and linking software modules at run-time. Such mechanisms are useful to allow a software module to be combined with other modules which are not known beforehand during the module's development, such as third-party applications and future versions of an application that is intended to be combined with the said module. Another benefit is the ability to update application modules individually, and to reduce the delivery cost of software updates. Those mechanisms have been put into practical use in general-purpose software systems. The use of a dynamic linking mechanism for embedded systems is also being considered; however, existing solutions are not always appropriate for embedded systems because of their tight memory constraints. Therefore, this paper proposes a linking method suitable for embedded systems that utilizes TECS, which has the advantage of ensuring interface consistency.

This paper presents a dynamic linking method using the TOPPERS Embedded Component System (TECS). Dynamic linking mechanisms (e.g., Shared Object and Dynamic Link Library) are responsible for loading and linking software modules at run-time. Such mechanisms are useful to allow a software module to be combined with other modules which are not known beforehand during the module's development, such as third-party applications and future versions of an application that is intended to be combined with the said module. Another benefit is the ability to update application modules individually, and to reduce the delivery cost of software updates. Those mechanisms have been put into practical use in general-purpose software systems. The use of a dynamic linking mechanism for embedded systems is also being considered; however, existing solutions are not always appropriate for embedded systems because of their tight memory constraints. Therefore, this paper proposes a linking method suitable for embedded systems that utilizes TECS, which has the advantage of ensuring interface consistency.