Change Impact Analysis in Simulink Designs of Embedded Systems

Abstract

This thesis presents the \emph{Boundary Diagram Tool}, a tool for change impact analysis of large Simulink designs of embedded systems. The Boundary Diagram Tool extends the Reach/Coreach Tool, an existing tool for model slicing within a single Simulink model, to trace the impact of model changes through multiple Simulink models and to network interfaces of an automotive controller. While the change impact analysis results can be viewed directly within the Simulink models, the tool also uses various block diagrams to represent the impact analysis results with different levels of abstraction, motivated by industrial needs. In order to effectively present the complex impact analysis results, various techniques for visual representation of large graphs are employed. Furthermore, the Reach/Coreach Tool as an underlying model slicing engine was significantly improved. The Boundary Diagram Tool is currently being integrated into the software development process of a large automotive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). It provides support during several phases of the change management process: change request analysis and evaluation, as well as the implementation, verification and integration of software changes. The tool also aids impact analyses required for compliance with functional safety standards such as ISO 26262.