P1_PCXE Physical Context Exchange Viewpoint
| Domain | Aspect | Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Context & Exchange |  released |
Example
Purpose
The Physical Context Exchange Viewpoint focuses on the identification of the physical interfaces with external entities and relevant documentation. It is used to capture interface design requirements, applicable standards, protocols and format specifications, that are agreed upon the interfaces.
Applicability
The Physical Context Exchange Viewpoint supports the “create system design” activity part of the “Design Definition Process” activities of the INCOSE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING HANDBOOK 2023 [§2.3.5.5] and contributes to the artifacts “System Design Description” and “System Interface Definition”.
Furthermore, the viewpoint supports the “Interface Management” approach of the INCOSE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING HANDBOOK 2023 [§3.2.4].
Presentation
A) For each given context, an internal block diagram (IBD is used to identify the physical interfaces, the item flows, that are exchanged on that interfaces, and related documentation. Note: To understand the interfaces, a mapping of protocol layers may be depicted.
B) A tabular format providing a list of all the defined external interfaces and the applicable documentation
- context element kind (environment, external entity, physical user, etc.)
- context element role name
- port name and reference to port type
- reference to context element type
C) A tabular format listing the applicable standards, protocols and formats for the item flows exchanged via the identified interfaces.
Stakeholder
- Acquirer
- Customer
- Hardware Developer
- IV&V Engineer
- Mechanic Developer
- Safety Expert
- Security Expert
- Software Developer
- Supplier
- System Architect
Concern
- Which are the external physical entities the system interacts with in the given context?
- Which are the protocols for exchanging physical items on a specific interface?
- Which kind of physical items (energy, material, information, etc.) are exchanged between the system and external entities?
- Which kind of physical items (energy, material, information, etc.) are used on an interface of a physical architecture element?
- Which requirements apply to a physical interface?
- Which standards, protocols, and format specifications apply to a physical interface?
Profile Model Reference
The following Stereotypes / Model Elements are used in the Viewpoint:
- SAF_PhysicalUser
- SAF_PhysicalSystem
- SAF_PhysicalExternalSystem
- ProxyPort
- ProxyPort contained in SAF_PhysicalItem
- SAF_PhysicalEnvironment
- Connector
- SAF_InterfaceLayerRelationship
- ItemFlow
- ItemFlow typed by SAF_PhysicalExchangeType
- ProxyPort typed by SAF_PhysicalInterfaceDefinition
- attribute realizingConnector of type Connector at InformationFlow