System‐of‐systems tools and techniques for the analysis of cyber‐physical systems

Dynamic and real‐time adaptive configuration of Cyber‐Physical Systems (CPSs) results in increased complexity due to a variety of heterogeneous and interdependent variables and creates unique challenges. For example, (a) Emergent Behavior: How do we ensure that system constituents dynamically and adaptively collaborate to produce a consistent repeatable functionality while supporting the capability to upgrade the individual entities through technology infusion; (b) Scale: How do we ensure scalability of these systems by managing complexity; and (c) Risk Management: How do we evaluate and manage the risks associated with the connection and interdependencies of heterogenous systems. Design and development of this new generation of CPSs can be viewed through the lens of System‐of‐Systems (SoS) methodology which is designed to analyze and assess the evolving topologies created by interactions within a large complex system operating in dynamic and uncertain environment. In this paper, we propose the use of several SoS tools and techniques for the analysis and design of next‐generation CPSs. Our SoS methodologies address features such as diversity of component systems, complex hierarchical structures, dynamic and emergent behavior, and interactions between components. Therefore, they are suitable to treat some of the challenging features of CPSs. However, it is necessary to modify these methodologies to address specific aspects of CPSs. Constraints and metrics from SoS methodology, applied to the design space, will support decision on component systems and the topology of their connections, and provide a set of “good designs,” with desired characteristics.