Development and Verification of Complex Hybrid Systems Using Synthesizable Monitors

Abstract

Using simulation monitors that are formally defined and automatically synthesized is already part of the standard methodology of hardware design and verification. However, this is not yet the case in the domain of systems engineering for cyber-physical systems. The growing trend towards model-based systems engineering is making the use of simulation monitors more relevant and possible. Recent related work focuses almost exclusively on the aspects of requirements specification. In this work, we explain how monitors can play a much more pervasive role in systems engineering, going beyond merely checking requirements. We describe how monitors can be used along the entire product lifecycle, from early design alternative analysis to final field testing. This work also covers the special considerations that must be addressed when designing a monitor specification language, specifically in the context of systems engineering. Our focus is on the practical issues related to the use of monitors and describes a prototype monitor specification and synthesis platform applied to the hybrid simulation of an automotive subsystem.

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2011-2014) under grant agreement n° 287716.