Interface Block Diagram

(Available in Base Schema v70 or earlier that contains the Interface class)

 

The Interface Block diagram is a traditional systems engineering block-and-line diagram representing the logical interfaces that connect components within a system or system segment. Classically, whether working top-down, middle-out, or bottom-up, the logical connections are known long before the physical implementations of these connections are clear. Part of the physical architecture representation set, the Interface Block diagram is often the first architectural block diagram that you will develop, focusing first on the fact that logically A must interface with B before crossing into the details of how that connection is made.

 

The Interface Block diagram is available for entities 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 interfaces joined to the node. If the interface does not connect to another component in the system model, the interface is drawn as an unterminated line (an obvious diagnostic for resolution). If the interface joins to two components within the decomposition, both ends of the line are connected to classic nodes. If one end of the interface exists outside the composition of this component (if the interface is an external interface), the external component is also shown on the diagram and joins to the interface to show the full context. To help distinguish external components which interface to subcomponents from the subcomponents themselves, external components are drawn with a grey background by default.

 

The Interface Block diagram is a free-form diagram. GENESYSS begins with a simple layout for the nodes and offers several layout options to choose from. Then 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 resized and moved along the line.

 

NOTE:

The GENESYS schema limits an interface to join a maximum of two components. While we typically think of an interface connecting multiple nodes, a better image of an interface is a logical plane between two components. In a hub or bus model, the hub or bus itself is in reality a component. In other models where interfaces share common characteristics, it is generally the interface specification which is common. The interfaces themselves are unique to the specific pairs of components.

Toolbox Properties

The Interface Block diagram settings do not include any special diagram options beyond the classic diagram options.

• Use Orthogonal Lines - controls whether orthogonal lines or direct lines are used to connect nodes on the diagram.

Toolbox Insert

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

 

Constructs

• New Child - drop onto the diagram background to add a new component as part of the diagram composition (built from)
• Children - drop onto the diagram background to add an existing component as part of the diagram composition (built from)
• New Connection - drop onto any diagram node to create a new connection (interface) that joins to the node
• Connections - drop onto any diagram node to relate an existing connection (interface) using the joins to relation

Utilities

• Image - drop onto the diagram to insert a new picture
• Note - drop onto the diagram to insert a new note (descriptive text in a note icon)
• Shapes - drag one of the shapes from the toolbox and drop onto the diagram to insert a new shape

Key Entities

• Component - drop an existing component onto the diagram background to add it as part of the diagram composition (built from)
• Interface - drop an existing interface onto a node to relate it to the node using the joins to relation

All Entities - all classes and entities in the system model, allowing you to drag any entity on top of a diagram node to establish relationships with the balance of your system model

Context Menu Commands

• Rename

• Renumber

• Set Attribute

• Remove

• Delete

• Hide

• Edit Children

• Edit Connections

• Edit Connection Nodes

• Connect Nodes

• Arrange

• Bring To Front
• Bring Forward
• Send Backward
• Send To Back

• Open Entity

• Submenu listing entities

Tips and Tricks

• In general, it is better to move nodes first and then reposition lines and labels as desired. Otherwise, as you move nodes, the connecting lines will shift as well, potentially forcing you to then manually reposition the line or label.
• Once you get the nodes in place use the Transform command Line Routing >> Route All Lines Orthogonally or select the lines that are not correct and use Line Routing >> Route Selected Lines Orthogonally.
• The Interface Block diagram is a higher-level representation than the other block diagram variants. While all block diagrams are good candidates for using graphic images in place of geometric nodes to increase the communication value, this is particularly true for the Interface Block diagram.
• Dragging a graphic file from a Windows Explorer onto a node allows you to set the entity's image easily.
• Using a diagram shape in conjunction with nodes on block diagrams is a good way to graphically indicate clusters.
• The lines on a block diagram represent first class entities. You can drag-drop these entities onto nodes to connect them, or you can drag-drop nodes onto the line. Remember that just dragging an image moves it. To drag-drop, hold down the control key while dragging, or right-click and drag.