Heterogeneous parallel computer architectures with flexible topology,
such as transputer or TMS320C40 networks with special purpose coproces
sors, are ideal hardware candidates for many signal processing and ins
trumentation applications. The management of the hardware complexity o
f large systems, however, presents serious problems. This paper descri
bes a model-based approach to deal with them. The novel features of th
is method include hierarchical modelling, dual (graphical and declarat
ive) model representation and automatic model analysis. The merits of
the approach include the formal representation of the system design, i
ntelligent hardware diagnostic support and fast message routing map an
d network loader information generation.