Architecture Optimization with SysML Modeling: A Case Study Using Variability

Obtaining the set of trade-off architectures from a SysML model is an important objective for the system designer. To achieve this goal, we propose a methodology combining SysML with the variability concept and multi-objectives optimization techniques. An initial SysML model is completed with variability information to show up the different alternatives for component re-dundancy and selection from a library. The constraints and objective functions are also added to the initial SysML model, with an optimization context. Then a representation of a constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) is generated with an algorithm from the optimization context and solved with an existing solver. The paper illustrates our methodology by designing an Embedded Cognitive Safety System (ECSS). From a component repository and redundancy alternatives, the best design alternatives are generated in order to minimize the total cost and maximize the estimated system reliability