AADLv2, an Architecture Description Language for the Analysis and Generation of Embedded Systems

Abstract

The Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) is an SAE International Standard dedicated to the precise modeling of complex embedded systems, covering both hardware and software concerns. Its definition relies on a precise set of concepts inherited from industry and academics best practice: clear separation of concerns among layers, rich set of properties to document system metrics and support for many kind of analysis: scheduling, safety and reliability, performance, but also code generation. In this tutorial, we will provide an overview of AADLv2 and illustrate how several analyses can be combined on an illustrative example: a UAV platform. The tutorial will illustrate the two key dimensions of AADL: 1) a modeling process, following a system engineering approach: elicitation of high-level requirements and corresponding architecture, refinements and then full implementation, 2) connection with various analysis down and up the traditional engineering V-cycle. The tutorial will cover both language and state-of-the- art tools: OSATE2, Cheddar and Ocarina and connections with other tools like Simulink, OpenFTA. We will illustrate how to merge various modeling and analysis concerns using AADL: validation of mission-level objectives, high-level system validation, verification of schedulability and reliability and then discuss alternatives to generate part of the system.