This MBSE 101 series provides foundational information on how to approach using system architecture models to design and build a system. Join us as we walk through the development of a Security Alarm System!

  • Model Organization

    Model Organization

    Model Organization Model Organization is important as it can affect the performance of system architecture models. The organizational structure should be discussed and developed prior to creating any elements within a model. In SysML, model elements called ‘Packages‘ are used to organize a model. ‘Packages‘ are essentially the containing folder of model elements. Let’s begin…

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  • Creating Package Diagrams

    Creating Package Diagrams

    Creating Package Diagrams What if we had to share what our model organization was to a manager who doesn’t understand MBSE? Or maybe we want to quickly bring new modeling team members up to speed with how we structured our model? Creating Package Diagrams can help us out in both these use cases. What is…

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  • What Are Use Cases?

    What Are Use Cases?

    Use Cases are an initial step in the system development process to help define the behavior of a system or program. This is generally accomplished by eliciting stakeholders about their needs with a Use Case diagram. Use Case Diagram Primary Elements The primary elements utilized on a Use Case Diagram are Actors, Blocks, or Use…

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  • Implementing Use Cases

    Implementing Use Cases

    Implementing Use Cases can help with understanding the expected functionality for your stakeholders. This is especially helpful in a situation where you are asked to come up with a concept or an upgrade to an existing system or software. Let’s try this out by creating Use Cases for a Security System. Implementing Use Cases We…

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  • Creating Use Case Roles

    Creating Use Case Roles

    Creating Use Case Roles can help describe actor initiated interactions with a system by identifying their role as either Primary, Secondary or Stakeholder. Primary actors are using the system to achieve a goal. Secondary actors are needed by the system to achieve the Primary actor’s goal. Stakeholder actors have a vested interest in the behavior…

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  • Hierarchal Structures With Block Definition Diagrams

    Hierarchal Structures With Block Definition Diagrams

    How do we create a hierarchal structures in our model? One approach is with the use of block definition diagrams! These diagrams are great as they are used at any level of system decomposition. Let’s try to do this with our Security System model, but first some definitions. Hierarchal Structures and Levels The different hierarchal…

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MBSE 101: Why is MBSE Important?

With these 3 pillars we can now develop a model that will support a system design from concept to deployment! So why is MBSE important?

MBSE is important because by developing a system with a ‘single source of truth’ approach engineering development gains efficiency. This can be in the form of time, cost or risk. Let’s think about an example.

Say we are working on the next generation hypersonic commercial plane. Our mechanical engineers decide that the control flaps require a different type of motor. This motor will most likely have different power requirements and maybe the control software needs to updated as well.

This is information that our electrical and software engineers will need to know. If we used documents to share this information, it may be a few months before our engineers understand the impacts of the mechanical changes taking place. This information is relayed quicker in a modeling environment and creates more meaningful engineering discussions!