SCHEMASIM: a simulation environment for real-time systems

The design of real-time systems is inherently difficult because of the strict functional and temporal constraints such systems must satisfy when in operation. Often computer simulation plays a vital role in modelling real-time systems and is useful for determining whether sub-systems interact properly, timing constraints are upheld, and predictable behavior prevails in abnormal situations.In this paper, a new environment, called SCHEMASIM, for simulating real-time systems is overviewed. SCHEMASIM allows the designer to construct a graphical model of the intended real-time system and its environment and to describe essential functional and time-dependent behavior. An underlying discrete event simulator controls the graphical animation of the model and allows full user interaction.