This tutorial trail shows how to inherit structure between abstract systems and concrete systems. The example is based on an email from Alex Khazanov, Lead Systems Engineer,
Harris Corporation (thanks Alex for your query):
I created a generic radio system block (abstract) containing a receiver / transmitter block and a power amplifier block. Each sub-block has a couple of flow ports In addition, I created VHF and HF systems that are connected to the generic (parent) radio system with generalization / specialization relationship. My expectation was to see / be able to populate some of the attributes / operations / ports / parts in the child blocks automatically… Can it be done?
The short answer is "yes". In an IBD of the inheriting block (like the VHF System) you can use:
Related Elements - > Display Parts (then select your inherited parts)
(Note, this only works with frames on !) Then, select each part and use:
Related Elements -> Display Ports (then select your inherited ports)
At some stage you will need to make assembly connections between your parts and/or ports of parts, and you also have to export your flows to the boundary of the system using delegation connections to external flowports. These can also be shown with:
Related Elements -> Display Paths
from the connected elements.
Now please follow the trail images to see this in action.
First I show the entire system (including inheritance) in a BDD.
This shows the parts that will be inherited. The ports will also be inherited (as will any connections that may have been made).
TIP: I used the new StructuredBlock facility to create a RadioSystem synchronised with its IBD.
The inherited parts were shown by using the right context menu on the empty IBD diagram (only works with frames on):
Related Elements -> Display Parts (then select all parts)
The ports were shown by using the right context menu on the inherited parts:
Related Elements -> Display Ports (then select all ports)
To show any inherited connections use the right context menu on one of the connected elements :
Related Elements -> Display Paths