Addressing the shortcomings of commercial-of-the-shelf model-to-model transformations with open-source tools; from SysML to AUTOSAR

Abstract

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a widely adopted approach to managing the complexity of modern cyber physical systems, including automotive systems. In the domain of automotive engineering, it is common for engineers to use a variety of languages, at various levels of abstraction, to provide diverse and concrete perspectives on a system. However, a significant incompatibility challenge arises due to weak or nonexistent integration among these languages. In some cases, these challenges can be addressed by using commercial off the shelf (COTS) model-to-model (M2M) transformation tools. However, in certain cases these tools have semantic and technical limitations that hinder the development process, produce sub-optimal results, and generate trace information in a proprietary format. In this paper, we present how the same transformation can be implemented using an open-source tool. First, we discuss the technical limitations and present how the open-source tool provides better development support. Then, we present the results of running both implementations for a set of test models and show that the open-source implementation provides more detailed output models and produces more fine-grained traceability data. By using the open-source implementation, we reduce the development effort, produce output that is better suited for purpose and generate trace information that can be easily consumed in other tools.