Systems Engineering–Software Engineering Interface for Cyber‐Physical Systems

Abstract

AbstractAlmost all of today's man‐made mechanical and electronic systems are actually cyberphysical systems (CPSs). Formerly physical systems, from rockets to hair dryers and faucets, gain capabilities from software sensing, calculating, and control. Although some software will remain mostly divorced from physical items (e.g., cloud systems), much complex software will control, sense, and communicate with physical systems, which are then called CPSs. Although many systems engineers did not come to the discipline from a software background, CPSs still need systems engineering. Additionally, software engineers must step out of their “subsystem” box and work with systems engineers to build tomorrow's systems. To enable that, systems engineers should continue to apply systems engineering principles, including continuous learning (especially about software) and coordinating (including teaching software engineers about systems engineering). The time is now to take on new behaviors to meet the challenges of CPSs. Systems engineers must work alongside software engineers to reach the joint goal of system success.