Systems Engineering Fundamentals

Primary Goal of Systems Engineering

• The main objective is to ensure all components of a system function cohesively.

Requirements Analysis Phase

• The phase identifies the intended function of a system.

Decomposition

• This is breaking down intricate systems into workable parts.

System Requirements Specification (SRS)

• This document specifies what a system must achieve.

V-Model Application

• The V-Model is mainly used in system development and verification.

First Step

• Requirements analysis is the initial step in the systems engineering process.

Not a Lifecycle Phase

• Testing is not a lifecycle phase.

Operational Requirement

• Defines how the system functions within its operational environment.

Interface Requirements

• Concerns external systems the system interacts with.

Verification

• This makes sure the product was built correctly.

Validation

• It ensures the system fulfills its intended design.

Functional Model

• It focuses on inputs, outputs, and processes

Key Principle

• Considering the entire lifecycle is a key tenet.

Trade-off Analysis

• Used to decide between competing solutions.

System Context Diagram

• The system itself is the central element.

Importance of System Boundaries

• They show what is and isn't part of the system.

Functional Requirements

• They describe what the system should do.

System Constraint

• It might include performance requirements, environmental limitations, and stakeholder goals.

Role of a Systems Engineer

• This includes integrating systems and managing requirements.

System Definition

• It is a group of interacting components.

Feasibility Assessment

• It is typically assessed in the concept phase.

Stakeholder

• Anyone affected by the system.

Downtime

• This refers to the maximum time a system can be down.

MTTR Definition

• It means Mean Time To Repair.

Risk Management

• It involves assessing and planning for uncertainties.

Environmental Requirement

• This specifies the system operates in extreme temperatures.

Phase Following Integration

• Validation follows system integration.

Configuration Management

• It involves controlling changes to a system.

Test Cases During Design

• Developed to trace requirements early.

Feedback Loop

• Helps to continuously improve the system.

Requirements Ambiguity

• Requirements should not be ambiguous, to restrict flexibility.

Systems Engineering Focus

• Systems engineering does not focus solely on hardware, but on the system.

Integration Timing

• Integration must be done after component testing.

System Lifecycle

• Every system does have a lifecycle.

Stakeholders Scope

• Can be both internal and external.

Requirements Traceability

• Helps track fulfillment.

Validation vs. Verification

• They are not the same thing.

Interface Definition

• Interfaces must be defined early.

System Success

• A system cannot be successful if user needs are unmet.

V-Model

• It highlights parallel development and testing phases.

Environmental Requirements Examples

• These can include humidity limits.

Functional Decomposition

• Reduces complexity.

Stakeholder Consultation

• Not only the system owner needs to be consulted during requirements gathering.

Trade-offs

• Trade-offs are sometimes needed in good engineering.

System Context Diagrams

• Help identify boundaries and interfaces.

Systems Engineering Approach

• Ensures a multidisciplinary approach.

Risk Analysis

• Should be done early in a project, not near the end.

Stakeholder Consultation Timing

• They should not only be consulted during deployment, but during the whole process.

Performance Requirements

• Define how well a function must be performed.

Good Systems Engineering

• Includes planning for system retirement.

Design Constraints

• May include budget or technology limitations.

Concept Phase

• It is not primarily for building prototypes.

Verification Question

• Asks "Did we build the system right?".

Valid Requirements

• Must be testable.

Interface Importance

• Interfaces are important for stand-alone systems.

Documentation

• It is necessary even once a system is deployed.

Systems Engineering Duration

• Continues through the full system lifecycle.

Maintenance

• Is part of the systems engineering concern.

High-Level Design

• Must consider system interfaces.

Functional Requirements

• It is not only about user experience.