Funkey architecting : an integrated approach to system architecting using functions, key drivers and system budgets

Present state of the art products consist of integrated electronic, mechanical and software modules. Integration is present both within and between modules; even more so for complex systems like wafer steppers, aircraft, and medical imaging systems. Designing such systems requires close cooperation of electrical, mechanical and software engineers. However, these engineers speak different languages, and are presently ever more spread around the world. These specialist engineers often have a view of their own task only. The computer tools they use stimulate the build-up of the design in a bottom-up approach (from detail to assembly to system). Therefore the context information the specialists have is too limited or even lacking. The system designer, on the other hand, lacks the detail information needed to supervise the system integrity during the entire process. In this thesis a method is developed that helps the designer to acquire context information, and the system designer to track the detail information. The goal is threefold: achieve insight, create and maintain overview, and stimulate innovation