Dependability Modeling with the Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL)

The Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE) recently published an Error Model Annex document (SAE AS-5506/1) to complement the SAE Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL) standard document (SAE AS5506) with capabilities for dependability modeling. The purpose of this report is to (a) explain the capabilities of the Error Model Annex and (b) provide guidance on the use of the AADL and the error model in modeling dependability aspects of embedded system architectures. The focus of the guidance is the creation of error model libraries and the instantiation of these error models on AADL architecture models. In that context, the report discusses modeling of error propagation, error filtering and masking, the interactions between error models and systems with operational modes, and modeling of repair activities.