Systemic modelling of integrated systems for decision making early on in the design process
Résumé
Integrated systems design has new possibilities due to the use of intelligent devices. However, these new technologies introduce new constraints for designing innovative architectures and assessing their dependability. This article presents the Safe-SADT formalism, an extension of the structured analysis and design technique (SADT), for dependability studies and a computer-aided design (CAD) tool/software for modeling and comparing several architecture design choices early on in the design process. Its originality is based on operational architecture composed of function entities executed by material entities. A Monte Carlo approach allows simulation of “possible life history” and points out design's weaknesses using sensitivity analysis. We illustrate the tool functionalities with a temperature system. Possibilities for future research in terms of software development and industrial applications are provided.