Metrics and criteria for quality assessment of testable Hw Sw systems architectures

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel methodology for assessing t he quality of architecture solutions of hw/sw systems, with particular emph asis on testability. Criteria and metrics for quality assessment are propos ed and used to assist the design team in selecting a 'best-fitted' architec ture that satisfies not only functional requirements, but also test require ments. The methodology makes use of object-oriented modeling techniques. Ne ar-optimum clustering of methods and attributes into objects is carried out , in such a way that objects with moderate complexity, low coupling and hig h functional autonomy, result. The main features of the methodology are asc ertained through a case study.