Seamless Integration of Heterogeneous Components in a Distributed Simulation Infrastructure

The utilization of simulation in the design of systems combining different parts (heterogeneous systems) contributeswith the validation, verification, and observation of the behavior of these parts (individually) and of the cooperationbetween them. The differences between the parts (elements) that compose the model of representation (of a system) make these tasks more complex due to three main aspects: the reuse, the preservation of elements and the interfacecompatibility. The reuse of existing elements can facilitate and accelerate the construction of new models or themodification of existing ones. Nevertheless, the probability of having a heterogeneous model increases since theelements can be developed under conditions that vary in terms of description language, interface configuration, operational environment, and others. Thus, it is highly likely the need of making an element have alterations oradaptations that can jeopardize the preservation of its original characteristics or even interfere in intellectualproperties issues, in order to be reused. The compatibility between interfaces of different elements is neitherguaranteed. Regarding these challenges, this paper presents DCB (Distributed Co-simulation Backbone), aninfrastructure for distributed simulation that offers mechanisms for preserving elements of the model from interfaceadaptations and for implementing data translation and communication and synchronization, all of them necessaryfor the execution of a heterogeneous model. By implementing these aspects in a backbone that is independent fromthe elements, DCB can preserve their integrity without loosing the capability of adaptation of heterogeneouselements so as to be able to cooperate correctly when integrated into the same simulation model. DCB also permitsthe execution of a simulation with elements distributed in different nodes