Diagrams and Languages for Model-Based Software Engineering of Embedded Systems: UML and AADL

SEI Report
This discussion compares UML and AADL as tools for modeling software architecture and improving architectural understanding.
Publisher

Software Engineering Institute

Abstract

Even after years of research and practice in computer science and, in particular, in software engineering, software projects are still largely risky and unpredictable. Model-based engineering tools for software engineering recognize the importance of architecture and automated analysis. The tools compared in this discussion, the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and the Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL), facilitate the modeling of software architecture and provide elements to understand it.

Cite This SEI Report

de Niz, D. (2007, December 1). Diagrams and Languages for Model-Based Software Engineering of Embedded Systems: UML and AADL. Retrieved August 18, 2026, from https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/diagrams-and-languages-for-model-based-software-engineering-of-embedded-systems-uml-and-aadl/.

@techreport{de_niz_2007,
author={de Niz, Dionisio},
title={Diagrams and Languages for Model-Based Software Engineering of Embedded Systems: UML and AADL},
month={Dec},
year={2007},
institution={Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University},
url={https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/diagrams-and-languages-for-model-based-software-engineering-of-embedded-systems-uml-and-aadl/},
note={Accessed: 2026-Aug-18}
}

de Niz, Dionisio. "Diagrams and Languages for Model-Based Software Engineering of Embedded Systems: UML and AADL." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, December 1, 2007. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/diagrams-and-languages-for-model-based-software-engineering-of-embedded-systems-uml-and-aadl/.

D. de Niz, "Diagrams and Languages for Model-Based Software Engineering of Embedded Systems: UML and AADL," Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, 1-Dec-2007 [Online]. Available: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/diagrams-and-languages-for-model-based-software-engineering-of-embedded-systems-uml-and-aadl/. [Accessed: 18-Aug-2026].

de Niz, Dionisio. "Diagrams and Languages for Model-Based Software Engineering of Embedded Systems: UML and AADL." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute, 1 Dec. 2007. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/diagrams-and-languages-for-model-based-software-engineering-of-embedded-systems-uml-and-aadl/. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

de Niz, Dionisio. Diagrams and Languages for Model-Based Software Engineering of Embedded Systems: UML and AADL. Software Engineering Institute. 2007. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/diagrams-and-languages-for-model-based-software-engineering-of-embedded-systems-uml-and-aadl/