Evaluation of Variability Concepts for Simulink in the Automotive Domain

TL;DR

This paper evaluates three variability modeling concepts in Simulink for automotive applications, finding that the delta approach is both preferred by developers and objectively the most efficient method.

Contribution

It compares existing and new variability modeling concepts in Simulink, identifying the delta approach as the optimal solution for automotive domain modeling.

Findings

Delta approach is preferred by developers

Delta approach is the most efficient method

All evaluated concepts are viable

Abstract

Modeling variability in Matlab/Simulink becomes more and more important. We took the two variability modeling concepts already included in Matlab/Simulink and our own one and evaluated them to find out which one is suited best for modeling variability in the automotive domain. We conducted a controlled experiment with developers at Volkswagen AG to decide which concept is preferred by developers and if their preference aligns with measurable performance factors. We found out that all existing concepts are viable approaches and that the delta approach is both the preferred concept as well as the objectively most efficient one, which makes Delta-Simulink a good solution to model variability in the automotive domain.