Software development team collaboration across disciplines using UML/SysML
Executable specification to get it right
Execution is required to be able to validate that functionality is behaving properly. Some model driven development tools on the market provide another level of collaboration by generating a full executable of the design.
During execution model level debugging can be performed showing the current state of state diagrams or creating sequence diagrams showing the interaction between objects (Figure 2 below). This enables early validation and allows feedback from customers or stakeholders by allowing them to witness the behavior in a more understandable form than code alone. The model can then be elaborated further with more details while continuing to execute to validate behavior.
Additionally, the execution could be done on a host platform even before target hardware is ready and later be retargeted to an embedded board. Much of the functionality in a design is not platform specific and it can already be validated on the host. When hardware becomes available the time can be focused on timing, performance and platform specific issues.
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| Figure 2: Model execution with Rational Rhapsody enables early design validation when bugs are less costly to fix |
Delivering with Collaboration
Delivering the complex products driving the high tech world requires collaborative development between many different disciplines across the development lifecycle. Design information needs to be communicated accurately to avoid costly rework or schedule slips.
Development teams use a modeling approach with UML or SysML to convey views of key design information in a form easier for other stakeholders to understand while also maintaining consistency of the information across the various views to produce a more robust design.
A model driven development approach is not just delivering throw away pictures. The diagrams are interconnected and consistent enabling early validation through execution and generation into production software for the embedded device which helps teams meet their ultimate goal: deliver products that meet customer and market requirements.
Paul Urban is Senior Marketing Manager for Systems and Medical Devices for IBM working with major customers worldwide to successfully develop software and systems using state-of-the-art Model Driven Development tools and methodologies. Paul worked for I-Logix/Telelogic for 14 years prior to IBM acquisition, where he focused on consulting, supporting and training customers to using model driven development for developing embedded systems in the medical, aerospace and defence, and automotive industries, including development and delivery of systems with safety critical aspects.
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