Using EA to make a instance of a block in SysML

[themiyac]

Hi, I'm trying to create an instance of a block in EA following the SysMl standard. How do I do that?
Thanks

[natvig]

I believe that in previous versions of EA it was possible to create an instance specification by just dropping a block from the project browser (while holding down ctrl and choose instance). However, in recent versions of EA this is unfortunately no longer possible. Instead a only a link or a part property can be chosen.

In EA 12 I think you need to create instance specifications from the Toolbox -> UML -> Object. Then when element is created you can specify the instance classifier and choose a block of your choice.

In my opinion Sparx should revert their profile to generate an instance specification instead. The reason is that many people use SysML the wrong way because of this feature. Modelers create internal block diagrams by dragging in blocks directly into the diagram, without first defining the block in an internal block diagram. (If associations are done properly, then part/reference properties are created automatically.) As a result, ending up with a model that is not consistent with respect to properties. Also, a property should never go inte a bdd which is also something that EA should prevent a user from doing. An instance specification however is fine on a bdd.

To Sparx: The best way forward would be to give three options for the modeller when dropping a block into a diagram.

1. Drop as Link
2. Drop as Instance Specification
3. Drop as Property (should not be an option on a bdd)

If it is not possible to have both instance specification and property then the instance specification is the one that should be the default. If you need to create properties within an internal block diagram you can right click on a Linked element and choose Advanced -> Convert to Property.