MIDAS: integrated design and simulation of distributed systems

An approach called MIDAS is described that supports the design of distributed systems via iterative refinement of hybrid models. A hybrid model is a partially implemented design where some components exist as simulation models and others as operational subsystems. It is an executable model and may be used to determine the stochastic performance characteristics of a partially elaborated design. MIDAS enhances the applicability of hybrid models in system design with its support for interrupts and its inclusion of distributed components in the partially implemented design. The authors describe how an existing simulation language may be extended to program hybrid models, and show how simulation algorithms may be adapted to execute hybrid models. A prototype MIDAS implementation is operational and was used to develop a set of applications. The experimental results of the exercise are also described