The development of embedded systems through models requires the creation of both a platform independent model (PIM) and a platform specific model (PSM). xUML is an extension to the Unified Modeling Language (UML) that adds precise execution semantics to models enabling a full description of platform independent models and the generation of code from them. However, to achieve non-functional properties, a platform specific model is needed. Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) enables the creation and exploration of PSMs and the analysis of its non-functional properties.

Kennedy-Carter, a large user of model-driven architecture and UML, chose AADL for its capability to model performance needs in a project for NATO.

Kennedy-Carter and the SEI developed a mapping between xUML and AADL to integrate the development of the PIM in xUML and the PSM in AADL. In PIM, the functional architecture is modeled; in PSM, all concerns about runtime quality attributes such as timing, throughput, and reliability are resolved.

For an overview of the purpose and use of UML and AADL, see our white paper.