SysML – ways to add blocks to diagrams

[Norm_E]

We are using EA for SysML modeling. When dragging a block from the Project Browser to a diagram, EA provides 4 options. After trial and error, this is our summary of the use of these options while attempting to be compliant with SysML standards.

Add as “Link”:
  - block on diagram cannot have a unique name.
   - Under Properties, EA calls this a “Block”
   - Structural Elements: shows all ports if selected, and ports that are added later can be “turned on” in diagram
  - We typically use this option when adding a block to a BDD

Add as a “Property (Object)”:
   - EA does not prompt you for name when added to diagram, but you can add name later
  - Under Properties, EA calls this an “Instance”
   - Structural Elements: shows all ports if selected, and ports that are added later can be “turned on” in diagram
  - We use this option when adding instances of blocks to an IBD.

Add as a “Child (Generalization)”:
   - EA prompts you for name when added to diagram
  - Under Properties, EA calls this a “Class”
  - Structural Elements: Empty, ports added later cannot be “turned on” in drawing
  - We do not use this option at all.

Add as a “Property”:
   - EA prompts you for name when added to diagram
  - Under Properties, EA calls this a “Property”
  - Structural Elements: Empty, ports added later cannot be “turned on” in drawing
  - We do not use this option at all.

It would be nice if the option names matched what they are called when you click on Properties (i.e., "Property (Object)" option should be called "Instance"). If the last two options are really not applicable to SysML, it would be nice if they did not show up as options in EA. I am interested in comments from other SysML EA users. Are we doing this right?

[natvig]

You should use the last option to create properties in IBDs. Actually, I seldom create the properties explicitly as EA does it for me when creating the associations in the BDDs. But sometimes you do want to create the properties manually, and in these cases you should use the last option called Property.

Instances of blocks (instance specifications) should be created on BDDs not on IBDs.

Also, I cannot understand why you are having difficulties to "turn on" structural elements such as ports on your properties. Right-click on the property in a diagram and choose Structural Elements. You may need to check the Show Owned/Inherited checkbox to see them.

[Norm_E]

Thanks for the advice, and for the instructions for seeing ports in Properties. I had missed the "Show Owned/Inherited" checkbox.