Multi-core processors seem to be the solution to cope with the demand for more computational power that is foreseen for next-generation dependable embedded systems. Multicores promise to both outperform single-core processors and consume less energy than high-speed single cores of equivalent performance. Further, the higher computational power per processor raises the hope that the number of computational nodes and the wiring in distributed embedded computer systems can be reduced, thus increasing their robustness. 
This talk will show that the above-mentioned promises can only be met if the system design follows some key principles. We will discuss these principles and will illustrate how to apply them when constructing hardware and software architectures for embedded multi-core systems that target safety-critical or mixed-criticality real-time applications.