Building a model for real-time simulation

Real-time systems differ from traditional data processing systems in that t hey are constrained by certain non-functional requirements (e.g., timing re quirements). We have designed the Object-Oriented Physical Multimodeling fo r Real-Time Simulation (OOPM/RT) methodology in which real-time systems can be modeled to meet the functional and non-functional requirements. Two act ivities for modeling real-time systems are defined in OOPM/RT: (1) the logi cal architecture design activity, and (2) the physical architecture design activity. The logical architecture aims at producing a base model that sati sfies the functional requirements of the system. The physical architecture takes the base model into account and embraces the non-functional requireme nts. Timing constraints are handled by determining the level of abstraction with which the base model can deliver simulation results by the given amou nt of time. By systematically handling simulation deadlines while minimizin g the modeler's interventions, OOPM/RT provides an efficient modeling envir onment for real-time systems. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights res erved.