Systems Modeling Language (SysML) supports the specification, analysis, design, verification and validation of a broad range of systems and systems-of-systems.
In other words, SysML is a general-purpose modeling language for systems engineering applications. It’s generally used with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), which represents a move away from the traditional approach of Document-Based Systems Engineering (DBSE).
MBSE promotes consistency, communication, clarity and maintainability within systems engineering projects and addresses issues associated with cost, complexity and safety.
According to INCOSE:
The formalized application of modeling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification and validation activities beginning in the conceptual design phase and continuing throughout development and later life cycle phases. MBSE is part of a long-term trend toward model-centric approaches adopted by other engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical and software.
In particular, MBSE is expected to replace the document-centric approach that has been practiced by systems engineers in the past and to influence the future practice of systems engineering by being fully integrated into the definition of systems engineering processes.
SysML matches up well with MBSE and holds advantages over its predecessor, UML. For example, with SysML Requirement diagrams can be utilized to efficiently capture functional, performance and interface requirements, whereas with UML, systems engineers are subject to the limitations of use case diagrams to define high-level functional requirements.
SysML is also used with Parametric diagrams to precisely define performance and quantitative constraints like maximum acceleration, minimum curb weight, and total air conditioning capacity – this contrasted with UML which provides no straightforward mechanism to capture this sort of essential performance and quantitative information.
SysML offers systems engineers several noteworthy improvements over UML, which tends to be software-centric. For one thing, 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:
- The requirement diagram can be used for requirements engineering
- The parametric diagram can be used for performance analysis and quantitative analysis
Consequent to these enhancements, SysML is able to model a wide range of systems, which may include hardware, software, information, processes, personnel and facilities.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers SysML Training Crash Course, a comprehensive 3-day bootcamp that provides the skills and knowledge to work with MBSE approach and SysML (Systems Modeling Language) diagrams. Participants will learn how to work with modern systems engineering approach to create ConOps, Use Cases, Requirements, System Architecture and Design, Verification and Validation, and simulation.
This course is designed for system analysts, system architects, system engineers, professionals moving into system-level engineering, and managers who are responsible for the delivery of software intensive systems.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.