Perspectives on Complex Systems
Edward A. Lee
Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
UC Berkeley
Friday, September 12th, 1997
Hogan Room, 531 Cory Hall
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Abstract:
Complete modeling of complex systems is not possible because of
insufficient understanding, insufficient information, or insufficient
computer cycles. This talk summarizes a study done under ISAT, the
information science and technology board of DARPA. The study focused
on the use of abstraction in modeling, designing, and understanding
such systems. An abstraction is a model within a semantic framework,
and the choice of semantic framework affects the ease of design, the
modularity of a system, the ability to evolve a design, and the
ability to understand properties such as security, robustness in
the presense of faults, safety, and real-time performance.
A rich variety of semantic frameworks have been developed over
time, and no single one is adequate for understanding
all important aspects of a complex system, so heterogeneous
modeling is essential. This study identifies as a key research
area systematic approaches to heterogeneity.