First-Class Variability Modeling in Matlab/Simulink

TL;DR

This paper introduces a modular variability modeling approach for Matlab/Simulink using delta modeling, enabling scalable and manageable handling of product variants in software development.

Contribution

It proposes a novel delta modeling method for Matlab/Simulink to improve scalability and modularity in variability management.

Findings

Prototype implementation integrated into Matlab/Simulink

Graphical editing of delta models available

Reduces complexity of variability models

Abstract

Modern cars exist in an vast number of variants. Thus, variability has to be dealt with in all phases of the development process, in particular during model-based development of software-intensive functionality using Matlab/Simulink. Currently, variability is often encoded within a functional model leading to so called 150%-models which easily become very complex and do not scale for larger product lines. To counter these problems, we propose a modular variability modeling approach for Matlab/Simulink based on the concept of delta modeling [8, 9, 24]. A functional variant is described by a delta encapsulating a set of modifications. A sequence of deltas can be applied to a core product to derive the desired variant. We present a prototypical implementation, which is integrated into Matlab/Simulink and offers graphical editing of delta models.