Functional Verification through System-level Synthesis
A powerful benefit of MBSE is that once the system architecture has been defined, it is relatively easy step to create a physics-based model in MapleSim that matches the structure of the architectural model. The subsystems and components that make up the system can be populated with the necessary mathematical information to define their dynamic behavior. In this way, engineering analysts can create a virtual prototype, or “functional mockup”, of the system to verify against the design requirements in the architectural model. Doing this very early in the process often highlights issues in the design that can be addressed quickly. This has been proven to reduce the risk of failure - and associated delays and costs - later in the process.
Verification of the design requires the functional mockup to be tested through numerous simulated duty cycles, requiring many compliance tests per simulation. This task is considerably eased through the use of Process Integration tools such as ModelCenter from Phoenix Integration. With its MBSE Analysis Pack, ModelCenter can be used to integrate the MapleSim functional mockup with SysML architectural models, automate the many requirement-compliance tests and report any non-compliances. This can then be carried through the entire design and development process, adding further details from other analyses, such as FEA and CFD studies, to enhance the accuracy of the functional mockup. This increases confidence in the design and significantly reduces the risk of late-stage design changes that add unbudgeted delays and costs to the project.
