Physical Block Diagram

The physical block diagram is a traditional systems engineering block-and-line diagram representing the physical links that connect components within a system or system segment. Part of the physical architecture representation set, the physical block diagram is the more detailed view of the architecture composition.

 

The physical block diagram is available for elements in the Component class (as well as any other subclasses of ImplementationUnit).

 

 

In this classic variant of a component wiring diagram, the children of the component are shown as nodes on the diagram. Lines connecting to a node reflect the links (the physical connections) connected to the node. If the link does not connect to another component in the system model, the link is drawn as an unterminated line (an obvious diagnostic for resolution). If the link connects to two components within the decomposition, both ends of the line are connected to classic nodes. If one end of the link exists outside the composition of this component (if the link is an external connection), the external component is also shown on the diagram and connects to the link to show the full context. To help distinguish external components which link to subcomponents from the subcomponents themselves, external components are drawn with a grey background by default.

 

If you are using a legacy schema (pre v90), CORE displays implied and "rolled up" relationships as well (this was discontinued in CORE 9 in favor of decomposable links). When component A connects to a link that connects to a child of component B, there is an implied connection with component B itself. Likewise, when a link is defined lower in the composition tree and it connects external to the composition tree (it connects to a subcomponent that is not built in this tree), there is an implied connection at higher levels. As you define your physical composition and your links, CORE automatically computes these implied interfaces and represents them using the connects thru relationship. To present a complete picture of declared and implied connections, the physical block diagram displays both.

 

 

CORE implements a second variant of the physical block diagram - a level 0 (L0) physical block diagram - to focus exclusively on the current design level without considering implied or "rolled up" connections. If you are using a v90 schema, the level 0 and the interface block diagram are equivalent.

 

The physical block diagram is a free-form diagram. CORE begins with a simple diagonal layout for the nodes, but you can customize node positions as desired. Individual lines can be repositioned as well. Drag the handle at the connection point with the node to control where the line connects to the node. Drag a handle at a bend in the line to move that line segment. Individual labels can be rotated and moved. When the label separates too far from the connection line, a "lightning bolt" will draw to automatically connect the label its corresponding line.

 

 

The CORE schema limits a link to connect a maximum of two components. In a hub or bus model, the hub or bus itself is in reality a component and should be modeled as a first class component in order to properly represent the hub/bus and its links to other components.

Diagram Options

The physical block diagram settings do not include any special diagram options beyond the classic diagram options.

Diagram Palette

The constructs and key entities tabs allow you to quickly develop your physical block diagram, while the all entities tab enables you to relate your components and links to the remainder of your system definition.

Diagram Menu Commands

Tips and Tricks