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Model-Based Software Assurance with the SAE Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL)
Point of Contact Michael Facemire
Michael.Facemire@L-3Com.com
Dates July 2007 - December 2009
Problem This research applies a model-based engineering (MBE) paradigm, using AADL, to software assurance activities. Other research has consistently indicated that early identification of requirement/design discrepancies is critical to containing development costs. The MBE paradigm relies on systematic analyses of architectural representations to identify defects early, especially those defects that emerge from interactions between complex components, and that are typically not detected until system integration and test. Using AADL and supporting tools, this work will establish processes and techniques to demonstrate that AADL-driven MBE is an effective software assurance technology for NASA development practices. This work builds upon the successes of the IV&V Facility Funded FY06 project ?Application of SAE Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL) to IV&V of NASA Flight Projects,? where we demonstrated the effectiveness of AADL analysis of the International Space Station (ISS) Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C). Through this work, we showed that AADL analysis, using abstract model components, would identify timing constraint violations that were not found until ISS GN&C Stage Test. Based on this work, it is clear that AADL would have broad applicability not only in an IV&V setting, but in front-line development and developer V&V. The research proposed herein will enable the extension of our earlier work to other NASA domains.
Objective

The goals of this research are, using the Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) and supporting tools, to formulate processes and techniques that demonstrate AADL-driven model-based engineering (MBE) as an effective software assurance technology for NASA development and to formulate practices for employing MBE analyses in NASA development V&V and IV&V.

This statement of work defines a three year effort that builds upon the work of the IV&V Facility Funded research initiative ?Application of SAE Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL) to IV&V of NASA Flight Projects.?

The following research objectives will facilitate these goals:

  • Formulate and demonstrate AADL-driven MBE in software assurance for NASA development: Conduct a case studies where team members at JPL and the Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute (SEI) will develop focused example models and analysis products using the Mission Data System (MDS) - an emerging system architecture under development at JPL. These data will be used to define model-based analysis practices, using the AADL, for software assurance in NASA development project V&V and modify, as appropriate, the preliminary AADL Practice Framework developed for IV&V.
  • Formulate practices employing MBE analyses: Generate a beta and final versions of an AADL practice framework. This will extend the preliminary AADL practice framework developed as part of the project ?Application of SAE Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL) to IV&V of NASA Flight Projects.? It will define model-based analysis practices, using the AADL, for software assurance in NASA development project V&V and IV&V.
  • Support the transition of AADL technology into V&V and IV&V institutional practices: In particular, develop and execute (a) a plan for facilitating the adoption of the final AADL analysis framework (and the supporting component database) into mainstream JPL institutional practices for architecture definition and V&V analysis; and (b) a plan for disseminating the IV&V context of the analysis framework as a capability within the NASA IV&V Facility.
Results SAS_08_AADL_Executive_Presentation.ppt
SAS_08_AADL_Technical_Presentation.ppt
SAS 2009 Technical Presentation.pptx New Research Result
SAS 2009 Executive Presentation.ppt New Research Result
AADL Final Practice Framework 09-020.zip New Research Result
Keywords AADL, Architecture, Modeling, Design
Categories Design Analysis
Software Architecture Assessment