Taming Dr. Frankenstein: A primer on the challenges posed by cyber-physical systems

The technology drivers causing the change in delivery of complex systems are the pervasive use of electronic control units, and consequently of communication networks, and the blurring of distinctions between software, firmware, hardware and multi-physics systems. These drivers are creating the possibility for placing vastly more functionality into products, but at the same time increase interconnectivity and the risk of unwanted system interactions found late in the development process. To solve this problem we need a rigorous approach to systems engineering intended as a methodology for product system level design, optimization and verification that: • Provides guarantees of performance and reliability against customer requirements while achieving cost and time-to-market objectives; • Produces modular, extensible architectures for products incorporating mechanical components, embedded electronic systems and application software; • Exploits analytical tools and techniques to determine design choices and ensure robust system performance despite variations caused by product manufacturing, integration with other products and customer operation; and • Achieves these objectives through the coordinated execution of a prescriptive, repeatable and measurable process.