Robust Engineering via Integrated Design and Analysis

The robust engineering of large-scale distributed real-time systems is no easy task. Software-based systems, both distributed and embedded, have reached the point where overall complexities radically increase the chance of defects and jeopardize run-time goals of dependability and performance. Concurrent with these challenges is the pervasive effort to drive mission costs lower while maintaining acceptable levels of quality and reliability in deployed mission software. Model Based Engineering (MBE) is seeing increasing use as a technique for representing and managing the designs of large, complex systems. In this project, WWTG would provide new and valuable solutions for automating activities involving the analysis of design information captured in a standards based language such as UML with the following capabilities: (1) Tool-assisted evaluation and interpretation of meta-model information for identifying required analysis information, (2) an approach for import and translation of standards-based model information into a common environment that allows for tool-facilitated management and viewpoint-based manipulation, and (3) performance analysis algorithms integrated with the common tool platform that provide value-added evaluation of the design information from the standpoints of schedulability, performance, and resource utilization/needs. BENEFIT: The WW Technology Group (WWTG) is developing a collection of engineering tool capabilities that bridge the gap between model based designs and analysis capabilities. WWTG has developed a tool platform called EDICT, which has shown remarkable promise as an MBE tool platform. Under this SBIR program, WWTG would position the Air Force to continue to leverage and build upon our successful tool development efforts to provide new and valuable solutions for automating activities involving the analysis of design information captured in a standards based language such as UML. Furthermore, WWTG’s EDICT tool offers the Air Force an ideal platform for hosting performance and schedulability analysis algorithms, techniques and visualizations. Our approach contains many benefits when employed on complex systems that address system performance, dependability, safety and life cycle cost. The key benefit that our technology provides is reduced engineering development and system certification costs while maintaining high levels of system performance, reliability and safety. Through improved integration of design and analysis of system architectural models, drivers in the system design process are exposed and can be actively considered along with other traditional design trade-offs. This leads to more cost effective initial designs and upgrades of existing systems. The integration of attributes for performance, dependability and safety provide additional benefits; enabling early detection of reliability issues or potential safety violations, which in turn leads to deployed systems that are more robust and have lower cost due to elimination of expensive rework late in the development cycle.