Time-triggered message-triggered object modeling of a distributed real-time control application for its real-time simulation

Abstract

The time-triggered message-triggered object (TMO) has been devised as the basic component model for high level distributed real time programming as well as real time application system/subsystem design and modeling. One of the strengths of the TMO is its facilitation of multi-phased top-down modeling of real time distributed computing application systems. TMO-structured models are capable of representing both a real time control system and its controlled facilities (composed of sensors, actuators, and monitored infrastructure) in a uniform fashion. Also, TMO-structured real time simulation models can be generated in attractively simple forms and they can be executed to enable examination of not only the logical accuracy of a real time control system being developed but also the correctness of its timing behavior. A case study of such simulation modeling has been conducted in the context of constructing a real time simulator of a real time control system called the safety injection system (SIS) which is a subsystem of a nuclear power plant. In the course of this case study, some tools that support efficient real time simulation have been developed. The refined modeling steps, the support tools developed, and the cost-effectiveness confirmed in the course of this case study are the main subjects discussed.