Combining UML-MARTE and Preemptive Time Petri Nets: An Industrial Case Study

• Published in: IEEE transactions on industrial informatics Vol. 9; no. 4; pp. 1806 - 1818
• Main Authors: Bicchierai, Irene, Bucci, Giacomo, Carnevali, Laura, Vicario, Enrico
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Piscataway IEEE 01.11.2013; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Analytical models; Concurrency control; Documentation; Execution Time profiling; Military Standard 498 (MIL-STD-498); Military standards; model-driven development; Petri nets; preemptive time Petri Nets (pTPNs); real-time code; Real-time systems; SW development process; Unified modeling language; Unified Modeling Language Modeling and Analysis of Real-Time and Embedded (UML-MARTE); V-model
• ISSN: 1551-3203; 1941-0050
• DOI: 10.1109/TII.2012.2205399

We present an approach for integration of formal methods within an industrial SW process, illustrating results obtained in a real scenario subject to Military Standard 498 (MIL-STD-498). On the one hand, the formal nucleus of preemptive Time Petri Nets (pTPNs) is used to support design and verification activities of the development process; on the other hand, the Unified Modeling Language (UML) profile for Modeling and Analysis of Real-Time and Embedded (MARTE) systems is adopted to manage the documentation process prescribed by MIL-STD-498. The two cores are integrated by providing guidance for translation of UML-MARTE specifications into equivalent pTPN models, with specific reference to concurrency control and synchronization mechanisms. This permits to attain a smooth transition from the standard artifacts of MIL-STD-498 to pTPN models and analyses, facilitating deployment of the formal core of pTPNs with a limited impact on the industrial practice. The experience proves practical feasibility and effectiveness of the approach, comprising a step towards industrial applicability of formal methods and practices.