Development Methodology for BSN Systems

This chapter describes a development methodology for body sensor network (BSN) systems, based on the Signal Processing In‐Node Environment (SPINE) framework, that follows a hybrid hardware–software codesign approach inspired to the platform‐based design (PBD). PBD has been originally introduced as a methodology for the design of traditional embedded systems and more recently for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). This methodology defines the design as a sequence of steps that lead from the initial high‐level system description down to the actual implementation. Since each application requires different sets of functions, the constraints identify different (embedded) platforms, where more advanced applications yield to harder architectural constraints. The SPINE‐based Design Methodology (SPINE‐based DM) is inspired by the well‐known PBD. The application‐level design of a SPINE‐based BSN application can be guided by pattern‐driven strategies. The chapter discloses the main parameters affecting BSN‐based applications. It illustrates the SPINE‐based Platform Design process schema.