Requirements Patterns for Complex Embedded Systems

Abstract

With the development of networked embedded technology, the requirements of embedded systems are becoming more and more complex. This increases the difficulty of requirements analysis. Requirements patterns are a means for the comprehension and analysis of the requirements problem. In this paper, we propose seven functional requirements patterns for complex embedded systems on the basis of analyzing the characteristics of modern embedded systems. The main feature is explicitly distinguishing the controller, the system devices (controlled by the controller) and the external entities (monitored by the controller). In addition to the requirements problem description, we also provide observable system behavior description, I∼O logic and the execution mechanism for each pattern. Finally, we apply the patterns to a solar search subsystem of aerospace satellites, and all the 20 requirements can be matched against one of the patterns. This validates the usability of our patterns.