A Component-Based Approach to Feature Modelling

This paper presents an approach to feature modelling based on the use of modelling constructs from the component-based software development domain. The proposed models allow establishing feature hierarchies, making a clear distinction between the features themselves and their realisations or variants. Furthermore, they enable the definition of complex dependency relationships between the different feature realisations, making it possible to define variable configurations associated with these dependencies. Finally, the approach allows the modelling of product configurations as a set of interconnected and configured feature realisations. The proposal is illustrated with an example based on the on-board satellite software applications domain.