The general consensus is that MBSE (Model Based Systems Engineering) is not really about any particular type of model or visualization of data and information – whether that be a model, diagram, report, document, sets of needs, or sets of requirements.
MBSE is about the underlying data and information model that enables consistency across the data and information that represents the various models and visualizations.
Systems Modeling Language (SysML) is a general-purpose system architecture modeling language for systems engineering applications, commonly used in conjunction with MBSE. In fact, after a decade of pragmatic experience applying SysML to tough Systems Engineering problems, SysML has emerged as the de facto Model-Based Language choice for MBSE projects.
SysML supports the specification, analysis, design, verification, and validation of a broad range of systems and systems-of-systems.
These systems may include hardware, software, information, processes, personnel, and facilities.
Although MBSE does not dictate any specific process, any MBSE process should cover four systems-engineering domains:
- Requirements/Capabilities
- Behavior
- Architecture/Structure
- Verification and Validation
Analysts contend that SysML offers systems engineers noteworthy improvements over predecessor UML, which tends to be software-centric. These improvements include:
- SysML’s semantics are more flexible and expressive. SysML reduces UML’s software-centric restrictions and adds two new diagram types, requirement and parametric diagrams.
- SysML is a comparatively smaller language that is easier to learn and apply. Since SysML removes many of UML’s software-centric constructs, the overall language measures smaller both in diagram types and total constructs.
- SysML allocation tables support common kinds of allocations. Whereas UML provides only limited support for tabular notations, SysML furnishes flexible allocation tables that support requirements allocation, functional allocation, and structural allocation. This capability facilitates automated verification and validation (V&V) and gap analysis.
- SysML model management constructs support models, views, and viewpoints. These constructs extend UML’s capabilities and are architecturally aligned with IEEE-Std-1471-2000 (IEEE Recommended Practice for Architectural Description of Software Intensive Systems).
Consequently, SysML’s model-based approach improves productivity and quality while reducing risk during systems development and is used in a broad range of industries including aerospace and defense, automotive and biomedical.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Hands-on MBSE and SysML Training Workshop with Modelio, a 5-day course that teaches participants how to implement essential MBSE and SysML modeling concepts through case studies, hands-on sessions and exercises with Modelio tool supporting Systems Modeling Language (SysML) modeling functional requirements, structural model, low level design model, behavioral model, parametrics & simulation.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.