38 Questions
What is the primary responsibility of the systems engineering function?
Controlling requirements traceability and configuration control
What is the main purpose of reviews and audits in systems engineering?
To assess system maturity
What is the focus of systems engineering?
Satisfying user needs
What is the goal of the evolutionary approach in systems engineering?
To reduce risks associated with incomplete requirements
What is the significance of configuration baselines in systems engineering?
They ensure system stability and control
What is the primary role of customers in systems engineering?
To generate system requirements
What is the primary concern of systems engineering in the context of incomplete requirements?
Mitigating risks associated with incomplete requirements
What is the definition of systems engineering?
A standardized, disciplined management process for system solutions
What is the main purpose of breadboard validation in a laboratory environment?
To integrate basic technological components to establish that they will work together
Which Technology Readiness Level (TRL) involves testing a prototype in a high fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment?
TRL 6
What is the key difference between TRL 6 and TRL 7?
TRL 6 tests a prototype in a laboratory, while TRL 7 tests a system in an operational environment
What is the final stage of Technology Readiness Levels?
TRL 8
At which level is the technology considered to be fully developed?
TRL 8
What is the main characteristic of the proof of concept stage?
Components are integrated to establish that they will work together
What is the main difference between TRL 5 and TRL 6?
TRL 5 has lower fidelity than TRL 6
What happens at TRL 7?
The system prototype is tested in an operational environment
What is the primary purpose of the configuration baselines in the systems engineering process?
To provide a series of descriptions at each level of system development
What is the correct sequence of development levels in the systems engineering process?
Concept level, System level, Subsystem/Component level
What is the main purpose of the reviews and audits in the systems engineering process?
To ensure that the baselines are ready for the next level of development
What is the term used to describe the system description in performance requirement terms?
System description in performance requirement terms
What is the term used to describe the first set of descriptions produced at the subsystem/component level?
Subsystem and component product performance descriptions
What is the significance of completing the configuration baselines at the higher levels before proceeding to the next level?
It ensures that the baselines are stable and controlled
What is the name of the baseline produced at the system level?
Functional baseline
What is the primary purpose of the system hierarchy in the systems engineering process?
To organize the system development into distinct levels or stages
What is the purpose of numbering systems in Functional Analysis and Allocation?
To identify and establish relationships between functions
What is the primary purpose of a functional reference in a diagram?
To reference other functional diagrams
What does an arrow in a Functional Flow Block Diagram typically indicate?
The direction of functional flow
What is the purpose of a summing gate in a Functional Flow Block Diagram?
To indicate the presence of AND/OR conditions
What is the primary purpose of a basic confirmation of performance capability?
To verify performance or provide sufficient information for further analysis
What does a 'G' symbol in a Functional Flow Block Diagram represent?
A go condition or successful function
What differentiates testing from other verification methods?
The gathering of detailed data for analysis
What is the primary purpose of a Timeline Analysis Sheet?
To add detail to defining durations of various functions
Why is the choice of verification methods important?
Because it can lead to inaccurate verification if inappropriate methods are used
What type of relationships can be identified using a Timeline Analysis Sheet?
Concurrent, overlapping, and sequential relationships between functions and tasks
What is the purpose of validated models and simulation tools in verification?
To complement other verification methods and provide additional data
What is a key benefit of using a Timeline Analysis Sheet?
It helps to identify time-critical functions that affect system performance
How do verification activities change as designs progress?
They change from concept to detailed designs to physical products
What is the primary focus of verification activities?
To verify key performance parameters and characteristics
Study Notes
Development Phasing
- Development progresses through distinct levels or stages: concept, system, and subsystem/component.
- Each level produces a description of the system in increasing detail: system concept, system description, and subsystem/component product performance descriptions.
- The systems engineering process is applied to each level, producing a series of configuration baselines: functional, allocated, and product.
Development Phasing Stages
- Concept level: produces a system concept description.
- System level: produces a system description in performance requirement terms.
- Subsystem/Component level: produces subsystem and component product performance descriptions, then detailed descriptions of the products' characteristics.
Configuration Baselines
- Functional baseline: system-level description.
- Allocated baseline: subsystem/component performance descriptions.
- Product baseline: subsystem/component detail descriptions.
Development Phasing Rules
- Significant development at a given level should not occur until the configuration baselines at higher levels are complete, stable, and controlled.
- Reviews and audits ensure baselines are ready for the next level of development.
Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)
- TRL 1: Basic principles observed and reported.
- TRL 2: Concept and/or application formulated.
- TRL 3: Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept.
- TRL 4: Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment.
- TRL 5: Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment with higher fidelity.
- TRL 6: System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment.
- TRL 7: System prototype demonstration in an operational environment.
- TRL 8: Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration.
Systems Engineering Process
- The systems engineering process is applied to each level of system development.
- The customers of the systems engineer perform the life-cycle functions.
- The system user's needs are emphasized, but all life-cycle functional areas generate requirements for the systems engineering process.
Systems Engineering Considerations
- Systems engineering is a standardized, disciplined management process for development of system solutions.
- It provides a constant approach to system development in an environment of change and uncertainty.
Functional Flow Block Diagram (FFBD)
- Flow connection: Lines connecting functions only indicate function flow and not a lapse in time or intermediate activity.
- Flow direction: Diagrams should be laid out so that the flow direction is generally from left to right.
- Summing gates: A circle is used to denote a summing gate and is used when AND/OR is present.
Integration Definition for Function Modeling (IDEF)
- IDEF is used for function modeling.
Timeline Analysis Sheets (TLS)
- TLS adds detail to defining durations of various functions.
- It defines concurrency, overlapping, and sequential relationships of functions and tasks.
- It identifies time-critical functions that directly affect system availability, operating time, and maintenance downtime.
Methods of Verification
- Test: uses system, subsystem, or component operation to obtain detailed data to verify performance.
- Choice of verification methods must be considered an area of potential risk.
- Use of inappropriate methods can lead to inaccurate verification.
This quiz covers the stages of system development, including concept level, system level, and subsystem/component level.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
