A process model for distributed development of networked mechatronic components in motor vehicles

Increasing demands concerning safety, economic impact, fuel consumption and comfort result in growing utilization of mechatronic components and networking of up to now widely independent systems in vehicles. The development of such a complex and networked system requires a coordinated, systematic development process. In this contribution a suitable process model is presented. It supports the verification of a domain model considering functional requirements in an early stage of development. The process model takes two different types of modeling into account. Object oriented modeling is used to describe domain models and particularly supports aspects like re-use, exchangeability, scalability and distributed development. Data flow oriented modeling especially focuses on dynamic aspects and is employed to create a simulation model. Coupling points are identified allowing an automated mapping of these two types of models.