The high level language for system specification: A model-driven approach to systems engineering

We present HiLLS (High Level Language for System Specification), a graphical formalism that allows to specify Discrete Event System (DES) models for analysis using methodologies like simulation, formal methods and enactment. HiLLS’ syntax is built from the integration of concepts from System Theory and Software Engineering aided by simple concrete notations to describe the structural and behavioral aspects of DESs. This paper provides the syntax of HiLLS and its simulation semantics which is based on the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) formalism. From DEVS-based Modeling and Simulation (M&S) perspective, HiLLS is a platform-independent visual language with generic expressions that can serve as a front-end for most existing DEVS-based simulation environments with the aid of Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) techniques. It also suggests ways to fill some gaps in existing DEVS-based visual formalisms that inhibit complete specification of the behavior of complex DESs. We provide a case study to illustrate the core features of the language.