The Niftiness of Executable MBSE Black Box Models: A Satellite Subsystem Exemplar

Abstract

Black box descriptions created using a model-based systems engineering approach provide an excellent way to communicate a complex system concept. Furthermore, it enables the early analysis of the system’s desired emergent behavior before embarking on a detailed system design. In this paper, an exemplar executable Black box system model is developed for the “Provide Full Duplex Data Relay Service” Use Case for a communication subsystem used for intersatellite communication. Behavioral and parametric diagrams are created and used to analyze the black box system model behavior and properties. The resulting model portrays that the utility and efficacy of an executable black box model goes beyond being just an abstract representation of a System of Interest to demonstrating how it fosters the development of a complete and more robust requirement baseline.