Towards Integrated Model-Driven Testing of SCADA Systems Using the
Eclipse Modeling Framework and Modelica
Jörn Guy Süß
The University of Queensland
jgsuess@itee.uq.edu.au
Peter Fritzson
Linköpings Universitet
petfr@ida.liu.se
Adrian Pop
Linköpings Universitet
adrpo@ida.liu.se
Luke Wildman
The University of Queensland
jgsuess@itee.uq.edu.au
Abstract
Testing SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Ac-
quisition) near real-time systems is challenging, as it in-
volves complex interactions and the simulation of the su-
pervised and controlled environment. Model-driven test-
ing techniques can help to achieve clarity about the inner
workings of the system and facilitate test construction,
but these models are currently disconnected from those
of the environmental simulation, leading to a paradigm
break. This paper presents a strategy to remedy this
situation. To this end, it leverages Modelica and the
Eclipse Modeling Framework.
Modelica is an object-oriented mathematical model-
ing language for component-oriented modeling of com-
plex physical systems. It is an open standard and imple-
mentation, and provides a rendering of its input lan-
guage in Ecore, the meta-language of the Eclipse Model-
ing Framework (EMF). It also offers convenient visual
editors, whose notation via the ModelicaML profile is
consistent with the SysML standard, a restricted version
of UML
The strategy presented here leverages EMF as a
common basis for model-driven development, reusing
Modelica’s powerful simulation features in integration
with a custom-designed testing process. With this tool-
ing, a test engineer can model all aspects of a SCADA
test within one workbench and enjoy full traceability be-
tween the proprietary test model, and its surrounding en-
vironment simulation.
1. Introduction
One of the most important current shifts in paradigm oc-
curring in the design of products may well be the adoption
of common system models, as a foundation for prod-
uct/system design. This will allow for a much more effec-
tive product development process since a system can be
tested in all stages of design.
For example, the development in system modeling has
come to the point where complete modeling of systems is
possible, e.g. the complete propulsion system, fuel system,
hydraulic actuation system, etc., including embedded soft-
ware could be modeled and simulated concurrently.
We envision an integrated unified model-driven devel-
opment environment (Figure 1), supporting all phases in-
cluding requirements, design, implementation, testing. In
this paper we focus on integrated model-driven testing.
Product
models
Unified Modeling: UML & Modelica
Model-Driven
Design
(PIM)
Compilation
& Code Gen
(PSM)
Simulation
Based
Testing
Embedded
Syst Product
Feedback
Platform
models
Figure 1. Vision of unified modeling, development,
and testing environment.
Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA)
systems are quickly becoming the backbone of many mod-
ern industries. SCADA systems are large, distributed near
real-time systems layered on top of full real-time local sys-
tems. One can imagine a SCADA system as the pan-vision
and policy setter of an enterprise. Typical SCADA applica-
tions are in manufacturing, where whole production lines
are controlled, in refineries, where reactors are started and
stopped, in pipelines, ships, airports, subway lines.
In earlier days, SCADA applications were custom-built
by system manufacturers using product specific hardware
and communication standards. No two SCADA system
were or needed to be, the same. In the last years, SCADA
software and sensor hardware have parted ways and the
TCP/IP protocol has largely replaced proprietary busses. As
19th Australian Conference on Software Engineering
1530-0803/08 $25.00 © 2008 IEEE
DOI 10.1109/ASWEC.2008.38
149
19th Australian Conference on Software Engineering
1530-0803/08 $25.00 © 2008 IEEE
DOI 10.1109/ASWEC.2008.38
149
19th Australian Conference on Software Engineering
1530-0803/08 $25.00 © 2008 IEEE
DOI 10.1109/ASWEC.2008.38
149
19th Australian Conference on Software Engineering
1530-0803/08 $25.00 © 2008 IEEE
DOI 10.1109/ASWEC.2008.38
149
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