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Integrating Model-Based Software Assurance using AADL into System Development V&V Process
Point of Contact Kathryn Weiss
kathryn.a.weiss@jpl.nasa.gov
Dates June 2008 - November 2008
Problem The MDS system is representative of flexible, adaptable space-system architecture that will become more and more prevalent in future system development. Because the system operation is not neatly deterministic with all sensor/actuator commands strictly assigned to specific bus communication timing and all process resource requirements readily predetermined, verification and validation activities at the architecture level must be adaptable and robust to span the operational space of the system. Our current analysis have demonstrated the effectiveness of AADL is supporting verification/validation of existing instantiations of the MDS architecture, such as the Heated Camera Controller addressed in our 2007 case study. We are also targeting the goal-replanning and fault management aspects of the MDS architecture in our current case study efforts. Of equivalent importance to the V&V/IV&V analytical framework, the toolset available to the architecture developer must provide to the developer the ability to measure FOMs associated with the quality attributes targeted by the design. For instance, if the performance of the system mandates a given response time, the design must be able to evaluate, via timing and flow studies, the software FOMs associated with overall system performance. We see the extension of our current V&V/IV&V analytical framework to encompass a development perspective to be a logical next-step in the overall applicability of AADL to the MDS, providing an analysis repository and structure to future instances of the MDS architecture. As stated in Section 5, this MDS pathfinder provides a pattern, then, for utilization of the analytical framework defined by our overall effort within other development, internal V&V, and external IV&V organizations. Our 2.5 year (to date) evaluation of the use of AADL conclusively demonstrates the value of AADL modeling and analysis as an effective assurance activity in a V&V or IV&V context. We have developed and are refining a V&V/IV&V analysis framework (Figure 1) for defining the analysis focus, generating the supporting model infrastructure, and performing the verification/validation activities. While this framework provides the process and supporting framework for verification/validation entities to evaluate quality attributes in a completed system/software architecture design, it does not directly support the developer in infusing quality within the architecture design as it is being developed.
Objective The objective of high-value V&V or IV&V is that quality, as specified by a set of measurable Figures of Merit (FOMs), is present in a design under evaluation. Noting that these definitions of quality are necessarily a concern from a development viewpoint, we will extend the V&V/IV&V focus, modeling, and analysis processes within our evolving framework to additionally support views directly relevant to development activities. While the V&V/IV&V viewpoints support retrospective analysis on completed portions of the system/software architecture, the development view will support definition and analysis of emerging architectural designs.
Results SAS 2009 Executive Presentation.pptx New Research Result
SAS 2009 Technical Presentation.ppt New Research Result
Keywords Model-based analysis, AADL, architecture, views
Categories Design Analysis
Software Architecture Assessment


Curator: Josh Stonestreet
NASA Official: Lisa Montgomery
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