“Timing Analysis on Code-Level (TACLe)” is a novel COST Action funded by the EU within the 7th European Research Framework Programme, with a duration of four years.

Many embedded systems are safety-critical real-time systems which must process data within fixed, given time. In order to validate real-time properties, timing analyses of program code are mandatory. Research in the area of timing analysis of software touches many disciplines of computer science, e.g., computer architecture, compiler construction and formal verification.

This COST Action aims to establish a network between the leading European researchers in these areas and to further strengthen Europe's leading position in this way. The subjects covered by TACLe include timing models for multi-core processors, the support of timing analysis by software development tools, timing analysis at the very early stages of the software design cycle, and the consideration of resources other than time like e.g., energy consumption.

A COST Action undergoes a highly competitive selection process, only 5 to 10% of all proposals finally receive funding. Prof. Dr. Heiko Falk from the Institute of Embedded Systems/Real-Time Systems significantly contributed to the implementation of TACLe. As leading scientist, he represents Germany in TACLe's Management Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the entire COST Action.