This paper introduces a model-based systems and embedded software engineering, workflow for the design of control systems. The interdisciplinary approach that is presented relies on an integrated set of tools that addresses the needs of various engineering groups, including system architecture, design, and validation. For each of these groups, a set of best practices has been established and targeted tools are proposed and integrated in a unique platform, thus allowing efficient communication between the various groups.
In the initial stages of system design, including functional and architectural design, a SysML-based approach is proposed. This solution is the basis to develop systems that have to obey both functional and certification standards such as ARINC 653 (IMA) and ARP 4754A.
Detailed system design typically requires modeling and simulation of each individual physical component of the system by various engineering groups (mechanical, electrical, etc.). It also includes overall system design, assembling all physical components together, and designing the required control laws. In order to achieve the objectives for physical simulation, the paper proposes a multi-scale approach based on a combination of detailed “3D” and simplified “0D” system simulation tools, including Reduced Order Models created from “3D” simulation. For this purpose, simulation languages that implement the fundamental laws of physics are used (VHDL-AMS and Modelica).
The Scade language is then used to design control laws that can be co-simulated together with the above physical models and, finally, the SCADE® qualified automatic code generator implements the control laws as embedded software behaving exactly as the model-based simulation that was previously achieved.
The complete workflow described in this paper will be presented at the conference with an interactive flight controls demonstration.