Model-based Engineering for Embedded Systems

The AADL framework allows the analysis of system designs (and system of systems designs) prior to development and supports an architecture-centric, model-based development approach throughout the system lifecycle. AADL is targeted at real-time systems, embedded systems where sensors and actuators are tightly coupled with software components and facilitate the analysis of interactions between hardware and software components. It focuses on system design specification using a rich, formal semantics that can be used to analyze and generate the system.

The AADL standard:

gives you the power to specify and generate a single model that can be analyzed for multiple qualities

provides an industry-standard, textual and graphic notation with precise semantics to model applications and execution platforms

features an XML interchange format that supports the exchange of models between subcontractors, integrators, and agencies

includes a UML profile that presents AADL as a specialized modeling notation within UML framework

is supported by commercial and open source tool solutions

Understanding the Model

An AADL model contains component types and implementation with their interfaces, subcomponents, and other properties. It defines the system in a hierarchical manner, with a top component called the root system and other component categories are grouped into three clusters: hardware, software, and hybrid.

The language is constantly being evolved by the standardization committee.

Benefits

The SAE AADL standard can lower development and maintenance costs by