Research Statement
Muhammad Rashid
Research Motivation
For the continuous improvement of human life on this planet, the critical analysis of existing methods and beliefs is essential. However, replacing conventional practices and introducing novel solutions, for the betterment of human life, always require considerable amount of efforts and time. Therefore, a research oriented career is interesting but challenging. In this document, I am going to describe my current research interests, associated challenges as well as the recent accomplishments in the domain of design automation for embedded systems and related disciplines.
Embedded systems development is the key technology behind many future generation computing systems, knowledge-based/expert and intelligent systems, cyber physical systems, internet-of-things, cloud computing systems, information and control systems, network and database systems as well as adaptive and autonomous/robotics systems. The major applications of these computing paradigms, based on embedded systems development, are in medical/health, transport/automotive, agriculture, energy, environment, security, consumer and industrial.
The conventional practice in designing increasingly complex embedded systems, from functional specifications to hardware implementation, is to have multiple isolated design teams working independently on an informal specification and channel of communication. Since the expected growth rate (design productivity) in this conventional methodology is far below than that of system complexity, the system level design (SLD) has been frequently employed and practiced in the last two to three decades. The basic theme in all the existing SLD solutions is to integrate the initial abstract idea with the final physical design activities
Although, the existing SLD solutions have already shown some promising results to reduce the gap between system complexity and design productivity, the designers of embedded systems are still facing certain challenging problems. These research problems include but not limited to: (1) early system design verification, (2) fast estimation of worst-case execution time, (3) enhancing the performance of flexible systems with application specific processors and (4) system security. In addition to address the aforementioned research problems, I am highly enthusiastic and motivated for the incorporation of these emerging technologies in engineering education at undergraduate level.
Research Problems
1. Early design verification of embedded systems is critical in order to meet the productivity and time-to- market constraints. To achieve this, Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) is frequently employed due to its built-in early design verification features. Nevertheless, the design verification requirements, targeting static as well as dynamic verification at the same time, in a unified MBSE framework are not being addressed.
2. Fast Estimation of worst case execution time (WCET) is another important requirement, during early stages of development, in real-time embedded systems. While the evolutionary techniques are extensively used for the estimation of WCET, several executions of the application program are required either on the actual hardware or using its cycle accurate simulator. It may consume a considerable amount of time to prune out the huge search space. Therefore, a fast and efficient design space exploration is critical during early stages of development.
3. Application specific processors are customized processors and employ various performance enhancement techniques. Existing practices for designing application specific processors target only a single or few performance parameters at a time. Therefore, the configurable and high performance system-on-chip (SoC) solutions are essential to meet the design productivity requirements for emerging real-life applications.
4. Hardware Security is another critical requirement for modern SoC solutions. Various cryptographic techniques have been proposed. However, an efficient and flexible hardware implementation of these crypto algorithms, in terms of various performance attributes such a throughput, area, power consumption, security level is always challenging.
5. Undergraduate Engineering Education is suffering with the exponential growth of advancing technologies, and therefore, pushing curriculum designers in electrical and computer engineering education to compress more and more contents, without necessarily paying much attention to the cohesiveness of those contents. The result has been highly fragmented curricula. Therefore, a holistic/system-level approach, that focuses on integrated fundamental knowledge, is required.
Recent Accomplishments
1. In order to address the early design verification problem, I have introduced a framework to automate the design verification process in the context of MBSE. Firstly, I have worked on a modeling methodology to capture the structural, behavioral and verification requirements collectively. Secondly, a Transformation Engine (MTE) has been developed and integrated in the framework to automatically generate SystemVerilog RTL (synthesizable) and assertions code from the model. This has provided the basis to perform design verification in any Universal Verification Methodology compliance simulator [1 – 7].
2. For the fast estimation of worst-case execution time in real-time embedded systems, I have proposed the use of an adaptive surrogate/prediction model. Initially, the training of surrogate/prediction model is performed through a cycle accurate simulator. The trained model is then used during the fitness evaluation of an evolutionary algorithm instead of simulator. The use of surrogate/prediction model reduces the overall time required to generate the worst-case test data [8], [9]. The achieved results have opened the doors for the estimation of optimized data in several domains. A typical example in embedded system development is the estimation of worst-case power consumption.
3. The issue of trade-off between performance and flexibility has been addressed by developing application specific processors for various applications For multimedia application, an application specific processor based on an efficient subword parallelism (SWP) enabled architecture is proposed in [10] while an application specific reconfigurable architecture is proposed in [11]-[14]. Similarly, a high resolution and low power configurable digital readout integrated circuit with on-chip image processing has been proposed in [14].
4. In order to enhance the security of modern computing systems, I have comprehensively reviewed state-of- the-art flexible hardware solutions for cryptography [15] and network security [16]. It has been observed that different hardware solutions target different constraints according to application requirements.
Therefore, I have proposed various hardware architectures, targeting different design constraints [17-22].
5. In engineering education research, I designed and implemented a holistic vision of computer engineering education curriculum using a systematic methodology [23]. The systematic methodology is further used to import quality control principals from industry in an outcome based education environment and for the preparation of assessment data in the context of an accreditation visit [24], [25]. In addition to the development of curriculum and data preparation methodology, a couple of innovative courses, using the concepts of model based engineering [26] and problem-based learning [27] have been designed for embedded systems education at undergraduate level.
Research Plans
While significant in-roads have been made, much work remains to be done.
• Infrastructure for Smart Cities: I am planning to extend my current achievements [1-7] for System of Systems (SoS) solutions by incorporating multiple integration aspects. Furthermore, the modeling and transformation support for test benches will be included to completely automate the verification process.
Consequently, it will open the doors for various innovative real-world applications, and therefore realizing the vision of smart cities, using cyber physical systems (CPS) and internet-of-things (IoTs). The “Smart City” vision has achieved a great importance in scientific literature and international policies. The two common technologies between embedded systems development and smart cities development are information and communication. Therefore, the intended target applications for my future work in this regard are education, health, traffic, energy and crime management.
• Implementation of Post Quantum Cryptography: While considering flexibility in the domain of security/reliability, I am planning to develop a unified and flexible hardware architecture for IoTs and CPS. The intended architecture can be used in the scenarios where the users can tradeoff between the algorithmic execution time and different reliability/security levels. Furthermore, the security of currently deployed public-key cryptography algorithms is considered to be vulnerable against quantum computer attacks. Consequently, the flexible implementation of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms is important. I am intending to investigate the emerging PQC algorithms for various application scenarios.
• Estimation for Worst-case Scenario during Early Development Phases: In addition to the early design verification and security of the system, the estimation of worst-case scenario is essential. While the static and dynamic analysis have been previously experimented for the determination of worst-case scenario, evolutionary computing based techniques are emerging. In this context, I am intending to extend my previously proposed idea of surrogate model for all those scenarios where the huge simulation time during dynamic analysis is problematic or where the simulator or actual hardware is not available for simulations during early phases of development.
• Engineering Education Research: I am intending to develop more innovative courses (graduate and undergraduate level) which can improve the “System Design” thinking of students. To achieve this, I will utilize my industrial experience (mentioned on page 4 of my CV) for embedded systems development as well as the research experience of model based system engineering. Another objective is the integration of soft skills (such as teamwork, communication skills, consideration of ethical and legal issues time and cost management etc.) in various technical courses from the very beginning of undergraduate studies. The current practice for the inclusion of soft skills is to defer them till the capstone design experience.
• Overall, I will continue to utilize my Computer and Electronics Engineering background/experience, in academia as well as in industry, to solve fundamental problems that contribute to real life applications.
References (Please consult the attached CV for complete list of publications)
1. M. W. Anwar, M. Rashid, F. Azam, A. Naeem, M. Kashif, W. H. Butt, “A Unified Model Based Framework for the Simplified Execution of Static and Dynamic Assertions Based Verification”, IEEE Access, vol. 8, pp. 104407-104431, June 2020. (IF: 3.745 Q1)
2. M. W. Anwar, M. Rashid, F. Azam, M. Kashif and W. H. Butt, “A Model-Driven Framework for Design and Verification of Embedded Systems through SystemVerilog”, Design Automation for Embedded Systems, vol. 23, no. 3-4, pp. 179-223, December 2019. (IF: 2.767 Q1)
3. M. W. Anwar, M. Rashid, F. Azam, M. Kashif, “Model-Based Design Verification for Embedded Systems through SVOCL: An OCL Extension for SystemVerilog”, Design Automation for Embedded Systems, vol. 21, no. 1, 2017. (IF: 2.767 Q1)
4. M. Rashid, M. W. Anwar, A. M. Khan, “Towards the Tools Selection in Model Based System Engineering for Embedded Systems - A Systematic Literature Review”, Journal of Systems and Software, vol. 106, pp. 150-163, 2015. (IF: 2.45 Q2)
5. A. M. Khan, F. Mallet, M. Rashid, “A Framework to Specify System Requirements using Natural Interpretation of UML/MARTE Diagrams”, Software and Systems Modeling, pp. 1-27, 2017. (IF: 1.876 Q2)
6. M. W. Aziz, N. Ullah, M. Rashid, “A process model for Service-Oriented Development of Embedded Software Systems”, IT Professional, Accepted for Publication, April 2021. (IF: 3.7 Q1)
7. F. Samea, M. W. Anwar, M. Rashid, F. Azam, W. H. Butt, A. W. Muzaffar, “A Model-driven Framework for Serverless Data- driven Applications in Cloud Computing”, PLOS ONE, vol. 15, no.8, e0237317, August 2020. (IF: 2.72 Q2)
8. M. Rashid, S. B. Shah and M. Arif and M. Kashif, “Determination of Worst-Case Data using an Adaptive Surrogate Model for Real-Time System”, Journal of Circuits, Systems and Computers (JCSC), vol. 29, no.1, January 2020. (IF: 1.363 Q3)
9. S. B. Shah, M. Rashid, and M. Arif, “Estimating WCET using prediction models to compute fitness function of a genetic algorithm”, Real-Time Systems, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 28-63, July 2020. (IF: 1.66 Q2)
10. S. Khan, M. Rashid and F. Javaid, “A High Performance Processor Architecture for Multimedia Applications”, Computers &
Electrical Engineering, vol. 66, Pages 14-29 February 2018. (IF: 2.663 Q2)
11. M. M. Iqbal, F. Husain, H. Parvez, and M. Rashid, “An Application Specific Reconfigurable Architecture with Reduced Area and Static Memory Cells”, Journal of Circuits, Systems and Computers, vol. 29, no. 8, September 2020. (IF: 1.363 Q3)
12. A. Asghar, M. Iqbal, W. Ahmed, S. Ali, H. Parvez, and M. Rashid, Exploring Shared SRAM Tables in FPGAs for Larger LUTs and Higher Degree of Sharing, International Journal of Reconfigurable Computing, Article ID 7021056, June 2017. (ISI Indexed, H- Index:10)
13. M. M. Iqbal, H. Parvez and M. Rashid, “Multi-Circuit: Automatic Generation of an Application Specific Configurable Core for Known Set of Application Circuits, Journal of Circuits, Systems and Computers”, vol. 25, no. 09, May 2016. (IF: 1.363 Q3) 14. F. Javaid, M. Rashid, S. Khan, “A Configurable High-Resolution Digital Pixel Readout IC with On-chip Image Processing”,
Computers and Electrical Engineering, Date of Acceptance: Accepted on May 2020. (IF: 2.663 Q2)
15. M. Rashid, M. Imran, A. R. Jafri, Turki Al-Somani, “Flexible Architectures for Cryptographic Algorithms - A Systematic Literature Review”, Journal of Circuits, Systems and Computers, vol. 28, No. 3, March 2019. (IF: 1.363 Q3)
16. M. Imran, F. Bashir, A. R. Jafri, M. Rashid, M. N. Islam, “A Systematic Review of Scalable Hardware Architectures for Pattern Matching in Network Security”, Computers and Electrical Engineering, Date of Acceptance: April 2021. (IF: 2.663 Q2)
17. A. R. Jafri, M. N. Islam, M. Imran, M. Rashid, “Towards an Optimized Architecture for Unified Binary Huff Curves”, Journal of Circuits, Systems and Computers, vol. 26, no. 11, 2017. (IF: 1.363 Q3)
18. M. Imran, M. Rashid, A. R. Jafri and M. N. Islam, “ACryp-Proc: Flexible Asymmetric Crypto Processor for Point Multiplication”, IEEE Access, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 22778-22793, 2018. (IF: 3.745 Q1)
19. M. Imran, M. Rashid, A. R. Jafri, M. Kashif, “Throughput/Area Optimized Pipelined Architecture for Elliptic Curve Crypto Processor”, IET Computers & Digital Techniques, vol. 13, no. 5, pp. 361-368, September 2019. (IF: 0.803 Q3)
20. M. Rashid, M. Imran, A. R. Jafri and Z. Ahmed “A 4-Stage Pipelined Architecture for Point Multiplication of Binary Huff Curves”, Journal of Circuits, Systems and Computers, vol. 29, no. 11, September 2020. (IF: 1.363 Q3)
21. M. Rashid, M. Imran and A. Sajid, An Efficient Elliptic-curve Point Multiplication Architecture for High-speed Cryptographic Applications, Electronics, vol. 9, no. 12, December 2020. (IF: 2.412 Q2)
22. Z. U. Abideen, M. Rashid, “EFIC-ME: A Fast Emulation Based Fault Injection Control and Monitoring Enhancement”, IEEE Access , vol. 8, pp. 207705-207716, November 2020. (IF: 3.745 Q1)
23. M. Rashid and I. A. Tasadduq, “Holistic Development of Computer Engineering Curricula Using Y-Chart Methodology”, IEEE Transactions on Education, vol. 57, no. 3, August 2014. (IF: 1.855 Q2)
24. M. Rashid, “A Systematic Approach of Data Preparation for ABET Accreditation” International Journal of Engineering Education, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 1–13, January 2021. (IF: 0.653 Q4)
25. R. N. B. Rais, M. Rashid, M. Zakaria, S. Hussain, M. A. Imran, and J. Qadir, “Quality Management Systems and Processes for Effective Outcome Based Education (OBE): A Review”, Education Sciences, vol. 11, no. 2, January 2021. (ISI Indexed).
26. M. Rashid, “An Undergraduate Course on Model Based System Engineering for Embedded Systems”, Computer Applications in Engineering Education, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 645-657 May 2020. (IF: 0.856 Q4)
27. M. Rashid, “System Level Approach for Computer Engineering Education”, International Journal of Engineering Education, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 141-153, January 2015. (IF: 0.653 Q4)