Simulating the Behaviour of Computer Systems: Co-Simulation of Hardware/Software

This paper discusses the validation, by simulation, of Behavioural Models of computer systems that are developed as part of a whole lifecycle approach to product development (model-based object oriented systems engineering (MOOSE)). The paper summarizes the MOOSE approach and introduces its notation for defining Behavioural Models, which are logical models of a system, uncommitted to hardware or software implementation. In the MOOSE approach, a Behavioural Model is transformed into a Committed Model of the system that identifies the hardware and software components that make up the system’s implementation. This paper concentrates on the dynamics of these models, viewed both as paper models and as executing simulations. It considers the validation techniques that can be employed for both types of model and discusses the design of the software necessary to support the executable simulations. The paper is illustrated by an example model of a video controller system.