Use of a prototype CACE integration framework based on the unified information model

Individual CACSD tools offer specialised functionality to the tool users. Within the context of a CACSD design, however, the need for additional project-related functionality arises. One such task involves the exchange of information between different tools without user involvement in the process. Also, keeping track of a project's steps is a desired quality for the environment. Neither of the two requirements can be directly attributed to the responsibility of any CACSD tool. An integrated CACE environment provides a solution to both problems by supplying additional communication and storage services to the CACSD tools integrated in the environment. This paper presents the operation of a prototype CACE environment which has been based on the unified information model, an information model which records the data structures involved in the complete CACSD life cycle. The environment's services are explored and their contribution to assisting the engineer's task is outlined.