Modular description of signals for automated tests in model-based software development

In model-based testing procedures, abstract test models are developed that describe the behavior of the system to be tested and that are used to generate and select test cases. However, a major difficulty exists when it comes to integrating model-based testing, particularly in the case of systems or interfaces exhibiting so-called hybrid behavior, meaning they include both event-discrete and time-continuous behavior. The Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE has developed a software for this purpose. This software, which is called Simotest, enables model-based verification even of hybrid models using IEEE 1641. The advantages are illustrated by the authors using a light control system as an example. The models needed for the example were created using Matlab/Simulink.