MLDesigner

MLDesigner is a modeling and simulation tool for the development of complex embedded and networked systems. It allows the modeling of architecture and function of mixed discrete-event, discrete-time and continuous-time systems and thus the study of architecture, function and performance of complex systems. It is based on the non-commercial Ptolemy project of the University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley ). Is developed MLDesigner of MLDesign Technologies Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA in collaboration with Mission Level Design GmbH, Ilmenau, Germany.

Conception

Models are created in MLDesigner in the form of graphical, hierarchical block diagrams. Simulatable models (systems) consist of modules and primitives, which inputs or outputs (ports ) and / or arguments ( parameters, resources, memories, and events) are connected. Since modules can in turn consist of modules of lower hierarchical levels and primitives provide the Primitive atomic units of models out its functionality is described by C source code, or by using Finite State Machines (FSM ). MLDesigner has more than 2000 ready-made library elements, so that the modeling of a system programming primitives is not absolutely necessary. The model elements are stored in MLDesigner in an XML dialect.

Operation

Simulations are performed in MLDesigner based on multiple, matched to the respectively considered problem models of computation. A calculation model which describes how the exchange of data has to be made between the model elements and the order in which to perform them is called the MLDesigner domain. The various domains differ in terms of the underlying time base - there is a distinction between discrete-time, continuous-time and discrete-event model types. A mixture of model elements of various domains in a model is possible, which is why the modeling and simulation of discrete-time, continuous-time and discrete-event systems is possible with MLDesigner.

Domains

The multi-domain simulator MLDesigner support include the following domains:

SDF domain ( Synchronous Data Flow)

The SDF domain is dataflow- oriented pure and is used for modeling discrete-time systems, such as digital signal processing systems used. In this domain model elements change synchronously (simultaneously) a fixed number of data elements, so-called Particles from. The SDF domain does not have a concept of time. The execution sequence of related model elements is based on fixed rates of produced and consumed data elements ( Particles ) defined statically. Another dataflow domain is the DDF domain (Dynamic Data Flow), in which, in contrast to the SDF domain, the rate of generated and consumed data elements is variable and thus dynamic changes in the processing of data and the execution order can be considered.

DE domain ( Discrete Event )

DE- domain allows the modeling of event-oriented systems, such as communication and / or data networks. A model in this case is the occurrence of events (events) from at certain times. The exchange of data corresponds to the triggering of an event of a model part, which acts on a different model part. The execution of the model elements is chronological according to the order of occurrence of events. All model elements are subject to the same global time. Through mechanisms such as special events or resources, which emulate the use of quantities or calculation times on processors that support modeling is intuitive and greatly simplified by means of appropriate pre- model elements, such as scheduling mechanisms. Thus, with the help of the DE domain a large number of different systems, such as bus systems, digital systems, computer architecture or system on a chip ( SoC ) modeling and analyzing. This includes any kind of event-driven systems. Self- processes can be personalized with MLDesigner on the paradigm of event -process chains (EPC ) reproduce, simulate and optimize. DE- domain at the same time forms the core of the modeling possibilities of architectural models, which allows the investigation of the performance of systems in the context of the modeled function.

FSM domain ( Finite State Machine)

FSM is a concept for the modeling of discrete event systems using finite state machines, with a FSM a current state of the system or a system component maps by the arrival of events causes a certain modeled action and a change of state. Thus it represents an alternative form of the description of the discrete event system and for the simulation is mapped internally to a DE- model. The modeling of FSM models takes the form of statecharts. Using the FSM domain can be very simple model systems that can be written in the form of a state machine, such as a protocol machine in a data network.

CTDE domain (Continuous Time / Discrete Event )

The CTDE domain is a more time-based domain that is used for the description of continuous-time systems, such as analog or mixed- signal devices. In addition to discrete events, it supports a continuous course of time, as it occurs in real macroscopic systems. The description of systems in CTDE corresponds to the description of systems with the aid of a system of differential equations.

MLDesigner has a number of other domains, such as the HOF domain ( High Order Function), which allows a procedural modeling of systems. The BDF domain (Boolean Data Flow) extends the concept of dataflow- oriented domains at the possibility on the basis of Boolean expressions to enable or disable parts of the model.

Code generation domains

In addition to all the so far described domains that are used to model systems to simulate and are therefore referred to as a simulation domain, there are MLDesigner a range of code generation domains whose semantics of the run in the production of C or VHDL code lies. This makes it possible, meeting certain specifications, for a document created in a simulation domain model to change the domain to a code generation domain and to generate a desired target code from the same model. This requires that all model elements of the simulation domain in the code generation domain must be present.

Besides the use of a code generation domain, it is possible in MLDesigner, from models that consist entirely of model elements of the DE domain and the FSM domain to directly generate ANSI C code, VHDL code or SystemC code.

Applications

MLDesigner can be used for the design of emissions systems, integrated circuits, electronics and reconfigurable multiple other products. It is used for modeling systems in the automotive, avionics and space systems, as well as satellite communications systems and processes.

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