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Please note : This help page is not for the latest version of Enterprise Architect. The latest help can be found here.

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Introducing Parametric Diagrams

A Parametric diagram provides a way of visualizing equations and their parameters in a particular context in the form of constraint properties. Each of these properties represents a usage of a ConstraintBlock that has typically been defined on a Block Definition diagram.

The frame of a Parametric diagram represents the owning ConstraintBlock, so it will be named as such and the elements that appear on the diagram will be constraint properties, which are instances of the ConstraintBlocks that the owning Block is composed of, thus showing the composition of the constraint.

Creating Parametric Diagrams

A Parametric diagram can be created from a number of places in the User Interface, using any of these options:

  • Design ribbon - Add Diagram icon on the Diagram panel
  • Browser window toolbar - New Diagram icon
  • Browser window context menu - Add Diagram

We will use the 'Design' ribbon option to create a Parametric diagram. Firstly you select the Package in the Browser window where you want the diagram to be located.

In contrast to most other SysML diagrams, the Parametric diagram is typically inserted under its owning Constraint Block. Once the location has been selected in the Browser window, select:

     Design > Diagram > Add Diagram

Diagram panel of the Design ribbon in Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect.

Selecting this option opens the 'New Diagram' dialog, allowing you to name the diagram; the name will initially default to the name of the Constraint Block that owns the diagram. With the SysML Perspective chosen and the version of SysML selected, a list of diagrams will be displayed allowing you to select the Parametric diagram. Click on the OK button to create a new Parametric diagram in the location selected in the Browser window. The Diagram View will be opened, allowing you to start adding elements and connectors that describe the equations and the parameters. Enterprise Architect will also display the 'Parametric' pages of the Diagram Toolbox, which contain the elements and relationships defined by the SysML specification to be applicable for constructing this diagram type. Any number of other Toolbox pages can be opened if required, in addition to the 'Common' elements and 'Common Relationships' pages that are displayed by default and that allow diagram notes, legends and other common elements to be added.

The most important elements and connectors used with the Parametric diagram are:

Elements

  • ConstraintProperty
  • Property

Element Extensions

  • Objective Function
  • Measure of Effectiveness

Connectors

  • Dependency
  • Item Flow
  • Connector
  • Binding Connector

Elements can be added to the diagram by dragging-and-dropping them from the Toolbox page onto the diagram canvas.

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